He was born on September 24, 1933 in Moberly, Missouri. He was the eldest son of Vern E. Antry Sr. and Mildred (Finley) Antry. He leaves behind his beloved wife Sally (Wilfong) Antry whom he married on March 31, 1957. They have three children, daughter, Pollyanna Danforth and her husband Mark; son, Vern Edward Antry III; and daughter, Marian Clare Antry; one granddaughter, Valerie Bauman and her husband, Robert Bauman; and two great grandsons, Carter and Trevor Bauman. Preceding him in death were his parents, and his only sibling, brother, David Lee Antry.
From his childhood he was always called ‘Skip’. Skip was a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan School of Music in 1958 with a major in brass and minor in piano. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity. During his career of 41 years as a teacher, he taught hundreds of children and young people to play musical instruments. He also directed special groups, including Jazz bands, German bands, drum and bugle corps, and choirs. He taught in schools in Southern Illinois, and in his later years in New Mexico, until his retirement in 1999. He and Sally lived in New Mexico for 14 years, returning to St. Louis, MO, in 2005.
Skip served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He traveled in France, Germany and England.
He was a faithful church member. In St. Louis he served as a deacon at Bible Baptist Church, and until his death was a member of Faith Bible Church in Springfield, IL. He was a devout Christian, loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed until we see him again.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield where visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 from 5 pm to 7 pm. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 at 10 am at Faith Bible Church, 4850 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chapel Library, 2603 W. Wright St., Pensacola, FL 32505.
