John Walter Skeen

John Walter Skeen, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on September 22, 1933, to Charles Dana Skeen and Dorothea Jones Skeen, he was raised on a farm in Wheeler Township, Gratiot County. He attended country school north of Wheeler, Michigan, and later nearby Breckenridge Schools, where he proudly served as the president of his graduating class in 1951.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James “Jim” Skeen. On January 8, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Letitia J. Johnston, beginning a beautiful marriage that lasted 68 years. He is survived by their four children: Jack (Peggy) Skeen, Mary (Austin) Skeen Williams, Letitia Anne Skeen Williams, and Matthew (Tanya) Skeen. Our generous Dad deeply loved his family, which grew to include 15 grandchildren (Courtney, Angela, Nicole, Cara, Rob, Anna, Alec, Adrian, Ashley, Hannah, Nicholas, Zachary, Daniel, Alexandra, and Joshua) and 14 great-grandchildren (Will, Eden, Ruth, Jane, Aubrey, Blaire, Everett, Stella, Remy, Gabriel, Cedar, Cora Mae, Greyson, and Theodore). Dad cherished his immediate and extended family above all else.

In his youth, Dad was a standout high school football player, earning the starting quarterback position on the varsity team as a sophomore and leading several highly successful teams. He briefly continued his football journey as a walk-on at Central Michigan University.

A deeply patriotic man, John joined the Navy Reserve for several months during high school, during which time he worked as a common laborer to help build the American Legion Post in Breckenridge. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that became one of the most defining and passionate chapters of his life. He served honorably at Parris Island, Cherry Point, Miami, and in the Korean War, where he was stationed with helicopter squadron HMR-161 achieving the rank of Sergeant.

Following his military service, John returned home to Michigan to marry Letitia (Tish) and build their life together. A man of steadfast faith, he was a lifelong member and attendee of Christian churches, spending the last twenty years as a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Jackson, Michigan. He was also a proud, lifelong member of the American Legion, belonging to Post 295 in Breckenridge for approximately 70 years. As a member of their champion drill team, he won several state titles. Even after moving, he regularly made the 80-mile trip from Jackson to Breckenridge, Wheeler, and Lafayette to march with the Memorial Day drill teams, honoring the valorous dead through 2023 at the age of 89.

Our Dad was a loyal, lifelong employee and supervisor at Consumers Energy. He spent 13 years as a tree trimmer in Saginaw before transferring to work on electrical substations in Alma and Saginaw. He later advanced to become an electrical instructions writer for substations, eventually retiring as a supervisor.

An avid outdoorsman, John was a superb hunter, an excellent marksman, and a skilled golfer. He found lasting joy tending to plants and flowers, especially our Mom’s roses and our brother’s landscape beds. He was an insatiable reader of military and western history, kept a sharp eye on business news, and was a remarkably smart and prudent investor. He and Mom loved to travel, always welcoming new experiences with open minds. He was exceptionally generous to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and medical professionals at the Virginia Cancer Center and the Department of Veterans Affairs in Fairfax County, VA, for their professional and compassionate care. We also extend a gratitude-filled thank you to Dr. Carol Martin for her careful and compassionate guidance with Dad’s care, and special thanks to Dr. Chao Yin at Virginia Cancer Center, and also to the emergency responders in the Great Falls, VA area for their expertise, meticulous efforts, and sensitivity.

The Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Desnoyer Funeral Home in Jackson, Michigan with David Kamke officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service on Thursday, July 30 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. A private interment alongside his beloved wife will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. The family will gather immediately following the ceremony for a luncheon at The Players Club in Augusta.

In memory of John, donations may be made to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in his honor, please visit the funeral home's online flower store.