Robert Paul Skinner

Robert P. Skinner, 96, a.k.a. "Never Better Bob," of Henderson, passed away Aug. 9, 2012. He was born Feb. 23, 1916 in Chicago, and was an ardent and lifelong White Sox fan. He played second base on an amateur baseball team that won the Illinois state championship and the interstate championship, and was a professional scout for Major League baseball. While serving in the U.S. Army in 1941, he met Minnie Kennon and they married four months later. Their union continued for 68 years until she died in April 2011. Bob, "that's Bob with one O," is survived by his daughter, Jackie and her husband, Ed; grandsons, Bob (Terri) and Dan (Julie); and great-grandchildren, Alex, Anna and Joe; as well as many other devoted family members. Bob worked until age 70 as a remarkable salesman of coal, oil and air-conditioning. Mostly, he sold himself to multitudes of people and friends throughout his life. Bob was a member and past president of the Lakeview Lions Club of Chicago. He enjoyed playing pool, betting on horseracing and, most of all, playing cards. He became a magician and was a past president of the Society of American magicians, Assembly #3. For 40 years, he worked his magic entertaining hundreds at children's hospitals, assisted living homes and other facilities. His quick wit and penchant for telling jokes, most of which he made up himself, brought laughter to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 16, 7600 S. Eastern, with a funeral mass at 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 17, at St. Thomas More, 130 N. Pecos, Henderson.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.