Luther Buford Skinner, 89 of Midland, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 24, 2017. The family will be accepting guests at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Monday, February 27, 2017. Funeral services will be held at Midland Church of God at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 with Rev. M.R. Thomason officiating.Luther was born on May 20, 1927 in Amherst, Texas to Charles Houston and Minnie Ola Skinner. He actually met the love of his life, Fredalene Sturgis, as a young teen when he visited his aunt who lived on a neighboring farm. Initially, when Luther tried to visit “Freddye,” she would ignore or fuss at him. However, at the age of 17 he joined the Navy as they say, “There’s something about a man in a uniform!” In December 1945, fifteen months before Luther completed his tour of duty, he and Freddye were married. In 1947 they moved to Iowa Park where his parents were living.In 1950 Luther went to work at Sheppard Air Force Base and served 28 years as a certified civil engineer. After he retired from SAFB, he worked for the Iowa Park schools and then went to work at Cryovac Plastic Plant where he spent seven years. Luther spent his life in service and leadership positions in almost every organization he encountered, from his children’s activities like scouting, sports, and music, to establishing Credit Unions and working with the DAV, the Church of God, and Senior Citizen services.Luther had a pleasant, outgoing personality and made fast friends with anyone he met. His love for the Lord was evident through his testimony and the life he lived. In addition to his love for God, Luther loved his wife of 71 years and his family to which his devotion was unending.He is survived by his wife, Freddye Skinner, as well as two sons and their wives, Jimmy Charles Skinner and Cherryl Skinner, Michael Skinner and Deborah Skinner, and his daughter and her husband, Sandra Oldham and Larry Oldham. Luther is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Scott Skinner, Heather Skinner, Melissa Skinner, Cody Skinner, Brett Skinner, Chris Oldham and Cody Oldham and five great-grandchildren.The last to remain in his immediate family, he was preceded in death by his parents and his three siblings, Clyde Skinner, Ethel Morrison, and Robert Skinner.The family would like to express their gratitude towards the staff at Manor Park for continued support and assistance in caring for Luther as well as to family, friends, and church members who faithfully expressed their love, prayers, and condolences.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Midland Church of God, 5300 Thomason, Midland, Texas 79703.,
