Kenneth L. Skinner

Kenneth L. “Ken” Skinner went to be with the Lord on November 20, 2014 after a lengthy illness. Visitation will be at the Hill Crest Funeral Home on Sunday, November 23, 2014 between 5:00 and 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be at Hill Crest Funeral Home Chapel at 2 P.M. on Monday, November 24, 2014. Officiating will be Rev. Kendall Docter. Interment will be in the Hill Crest Memorial Cemetery.

Ken was born in Toro, Louisiana on February 25, 1947. He graduated from Pisgah High School in 1965. After two and one half years at Northwestern State College, he moved to Shreveport in 1968. He worked at Melton Truck Lines, Inc. for 17 years in the Licensing and Permit Department, before becoming disabled with nerve damage caused by Guillian-Barre Syndrome in 1987. In 1989, he became an advocate for people with disabilities. He was a consumer and employee at New Horizons Independent Living Center before going on the Board of Directors in 1992. He proudly served 2 terms as President of the Board. Ken also served many years on the Willis Knighton Rehab Community Advisory Committee. In 1990, he self-published a small book entitled “With Wings As Eagles”, which outlines his hospital stay and successful rehab as a result of the Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The book is not a literary masterpiece, but Ken took pride in the fact it has helped may people who are going through trying times in their life.

On August 11, 1993, Ken was appointed by Governor Edwin Edwards as one of 16 people from all over there state to serve on the state’s first Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) for people with disabilities. He served on this committee for six years.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Judy Tolbert Skinner and their son, Brian Skinner and wife Trish; his grandchildren, Aidan and Madelyn Skinner and Jordan and Jillian Church. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Lillie Skinner and a host of nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Jasper Douglas and Artie Ray Miller Skinner; brothers Glynn and John Skinner; sisters Virginia Wilson and husband Herman, Naomi Curtis and husband Savoie; Maxine Harvey and husband T.L. and Bonnie Richard husband Albut Richard, father in law and best friend, Percy W. Tolbert. He is preceded in death by nephews John Alvin Chaney and Terry Lynn Harvey and niece, Myra Rozas.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph Hospice for the wonderful care he received during the worst part of his illness. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Joseph Hospice so they will be able to help other people or charity of your choice.