Edward "Ed" Skidmore

Gilmore, MD

Edward Eugene Skidmore, 72, of Gilmore, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2016, at his home after an extended illness.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty Lou, and they have now been reunited in heaven to look down upon their loved ones.

Born in Westernport on June 19, 1943, he was the son of the late Harry D. Skidmore and the late Pauline (Skidmore) Beavers. Preceding him in death were four brothers, Harry, John, Donald and William, as well as three sisters, Jean, Mary Lou and Margaret.

Ed attended Bruce High School and served in the US Navy from 1964-1968 aboard the USS Platte.  He was a quiet, but proud, Vietnam Veteran.  He retired from Frostburg State University as a Stationary Engineer I.  He was a member of American Victory Post 189 of Barton and the VFW.

Ed enjoyed fly fishing and hunting; especially squirrels and mushrooms.  He taught the art of hunting and how to stay warm and dry in the woods to many of his family and friends.   His garden was his pride and joy for many years.  It was also a guide for what to plant and when to everyone that drove past on Route 36.

Ed leaves behind his son, Kevin Skidmore and wife Allie; his daughter, Nadine, and husband William Beechie and three very special grandchildren, Derrick Skidmore and fiancée Bridget Hartman, Samantha Skidmore and special friend Jimmy Ritchie, and Andrea Beechie and special friend Tyler Redman.  He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Sophia Ritchie, Christian Skidmore and Carmen Hartman which he loved very much.

Ed was blessed to have so many special people in his life including his brothers and sisters Harold Beavers and wife Betty, Porter Beavers and wife Peggy, Doug Beavers and wife Brenda, of Westernport, and Rick Beavers and wife Agnes, of Alaska, Marlene Porter and husband Rick, of Barton and Carol Darling, of Westernport.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law Nadine Wampler and husband Darryl; a very special niece, Barbara Jean Langham and husband Joe.  He also leaves behind several other special nieces and nephews.  Ed will be forever missed by his friends Hank Halbritter and John Jenkins who were faithful in their visits and phone calls.

Words cannot express how much our family appreciates the care, love, and dedication Dad received from MaryJohn Davis and Gayle Kerns over the last several months.  We also would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Home Hospice nurses and care givers that brought joy, laughter, guidance, and compassion to him during such difficult times.  Dr. Sidhu, Dr. Wagoner, and Dr. Zaman and staffs, thank you for the exceptional care given to Dad over the past several years.

Never has there been a more kind man than Ed.  He always welcomed the friends of each of his children and grandchildren into his home.  He had provided and cared for his wife, at home, for over nine years through her illness with Alzheimer’s disease.   Other people always came first before he would take care of his own needs.

Friends will be received at Boal Memorial Chapel, Barton, on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend Daniel Montague officiating. Friends and family will be received one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in Frostburg Memorial Park, Frostburg. Graveside military honors will be accorded.

Pallbearers will be Doug Beavers, Darryl Wampler, Jason Wampler, Chris Wedlock, Joe Langham, and Joey Langham.

Dad we will forever love you and miss you.  You were a remarkable and inspiring husband, father, grandfather, friend, brother, role model and caring man.  Say hello to all our loved ones.  We will see you again someday.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to a charity of the donor’s choice or WMHS Hospice Services, 1050 W. Industrial Blvd, Cumberland, MD 21502 or Schwab Family Cancer at the WMHS, Attn. Julie Hardy, 12500 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland, MD 21502.