Gerald D. Skidmore Sr.

Gerald D. Skidmore, Sr. passed from this life on January 18, 2024 at the age of 93 in his beloved town of Killeen, Texas. Visitation will be held at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 11:00-1:00 PM. Private graveside services will follow.

Gerald was born to Otha and George Skidmore in Franklin County, Texas on July 1, 1930. He was known by all simply as “Skid”. Along with his older brother Alvis and younger sister Betty, he enjoyed the run of the East Texas Piney Woods as the backdrop of their childhood. During his schooling, he discovered his lifelong passion for storytelling and engaging in meaningful connections with his community. After claiming a basketball state championship while at Mount Vernon High School, he was awarded a scholarship to North Texas State College where he developed his natural talents with a degree in Journalism.

Skid’s first job out of college led him to Wichita Falls, Texas where he met and married Jimmie Brent. Skid and Jimmie relocated to Killeen, and in 1955 he began his long career at the Killeen Daily Herald. In the years to follow, Skid and Jimmie went on to have three children, Gerald Jr., Jon, and Martha, who were born and raised in Killeen. As they grew up alongside the town, the Killeen Daily Herald also grew and thrived under Skid’s guidance. Following the passing of Jimmie in 1974, he married Joan Juanell Byrd and his family grew by two more children, Tom “Thumper” Byrd and Stephanie Byrd. His life was defined by his dedication and love for his family.

After forty-two years at the Killeen Daily Herald, Skid “retired” to work for the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and the Military Child Education Coalition. A man of action and devotion to his community, he spent many years involved in the community by serving on committees and working behind the scenes to improve Killeen for its citizens. During his travels, Skid wore a Killeen ballcap to give recognition to the town, and to connect with people who had passed through his beloved home. He fully retired in 2010, keeping busy writing local histories, reading, and conquering crossword puzzles.

Throughout his life, Skid was honored with many achievements which included his tenure as President of the Texas United Press International Editors Association in 1969. He received the Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2008 and was honored with the Exchange Club’s Book of Golden Deeds Award in 2009. Though he received many awards and recognitions in his life, this was the one dearest to his heart. He was presented the Roy J. Smith Award in 2010.

Skid served as a planning committee member for the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. He worked on the creation of the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport, along with helping bring Texas A&M University - Central Texas to the area. Working with Killeen Volunteers, Inc was also special to him. He authored two local histories: Historic Killeen by Gerald D. Skidmore (2003), and Killeen by Annette S. Lucksinger and Gerald D. Skidmore (2013).

As a lifelong Christian, he was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Killeen holding many leadership roles throughout his life. He was a man of great faith and compassion for others. Though he had many professional achievements, Skid considered his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to be the greatest of them all.

Skid was preceded in death by his parents Otha (France) and George Skidmore, older brother Alvis Skidmore, wife Jimmie Brent Skidmore, and wife Joan Juanell Byrd Skidmore.

He is survived by sister Betty Lockley. He is also survived by children Gerald D. Skidmore, Jr. and wife Linda, Jonathan B. Skidmore and wife Lisa, Tom Byrd and wife Sue, Martha Heckathorn and husband Jeff, and Stephanie Byrd. Known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and spouses, they include Christy and Travis Galloway, Elizabeth and Pete Chapman, McKenzie and James Skidmore, Olivia and Matthew Skidmore, Ellie and Jon Skidmore, Lindsay and Roy Byrd, Shelby and Blake Arbogast, Sara Byrd, Molly and Adam Spivey, Sammie and Josh Shreve, Lauren Heckathorn, Xavier Byrdlee, Julien Lee, and Byron Lee. His legacy also includes sixteen great-grandchildren with more on the way.

Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen is handling arrangements.