Born in Lufkin, Texas in 1937, Charles is the oldest child of Odril and Agnes (Gann) Skinner. He is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Margie Ann (Metts) Skinner, parents, Odril and Agnes (Gann) Skinner and his sister Ann (Skinner) Horton.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Theressa “Tetta” (Blankenship) Skinner, his children: Victor Farrell Skinner (Terri) and Emily Alane Hughes (Gary), grandchildren, Wendy Skinner, Mallory Skinner, Courtney Waller (David) and Andrew Shutt (Ann) and great grandchildren, Graham Waller and Luke “Charles” Waller as well as several nieces and nephews.
Growing up in the small town of Harmony Hill, Charles developed an urge to travel, an appreciation for music, writing, learning about history and the passion to teach others. Charles met the first love of his life, Margie Ann Metts, in Lufkin and they married in 1956 and raised two children, Victor and Emily. They were both loving and compassionate parents devoting their lives to their children and grandchildren. He simply came to be known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Charles’ love for music led him to join the high school band playing the saxophone which continued through his college years. Charles became a school teacher for the Dallas Independent School District teaching American history for 30 years. He also drove passenger buses for Continental Trailways during the summer and weekends. His love for writing developed into the hobby of journal writing. He kept a handwritten journal of his life from the high school years to shortly before his death filling over a thousand pages in journal books, mostly written with a fountain pen. He was able to retire at 55 years of age, enabling him to satisfy his urge for travel by becoming an avid RVer, camping all over the United States and Alaska accompanied by his first wife Margie and current wife Tetta. Charles and Margie discovered a polka band called Brave Combo and became groupies following this band into different states attending many shows and dancing the night away to polka music.
After 48 years of marriage, Margie was taken from him by cancer. After Margie passed he met the second love of his life Tetta Johnson, they were married from 2006 until his death 17 years later. Tetta hesitantly agreed to try RVing with Charles which she grew to love and accompanied him on many trips including, the ultimate of all RV trips, and his dream, RVing to Alaska. He could not have found a better partner for the final years of his life, they loved each other dearly.
He was a long time member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rockwall, Texas and an active member of the Empty Nesters group.
Charles earned his bachelor's degree from Stephen F. Austin University and later earned a Masters degree in education from the University of North Texas.
Charles requested a simple graveside service which will be held at Gann Cemetery in Pollok TX. Visitation will begin at 1pm with burial at 2pm on Saturday, May 27th 2023.
