Obituaries 7-6

Charles ‘Chuck’ Skinner

In loving memory of Charles “Chuck” Skinner, 80, of Destin, Fla., who passed away and entered into blessed rest July 1, 2009, after an extended illness.

The son of George and Ruby Skinner, he was born July 30, 1928, in Lomax, Ala. After graduating from high school in Leeds, Ala., Chuck proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1946. He was recognized repeatedly for his outstanding service to his country and was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a master sergeant in 1974.

Chuck touched many lives during his lifetime. His passion for golf, and love of umpiring baseball brought him close to folks he would call friends for the better part of his life. Late in his life, Chuck recognized he needed a Savior, and in 1995 received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. Now, he awaits another family reunion, and by God’s grace, we will see him again one day. We love you, Dad.

Chuck was preceded in death by his father and mother, George and Ruby Skinner; siblings, Tom and Ann; and infant daughter, Laurie.

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 58 years, Helen; his five children and spouses, David (Debbie), Dawn (Joe), Darrell (Lisa), Dana (Susie), and Danny; seven grandchildren; one greatgrandchild; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

A visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. July 7 at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville, Fla. A funeral with military honors will begin at 2 p.m.

You may sign a guest book and offer the family condolences at www. heritagegardensfuneral home.com Heritage Gardens Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Elaine Coxhead Parker

Elaine Coxhead Parker passed away July 1, 2009, after a six-month battle with cancer, at the Manor at Bluewater Bay nursing home in Niceville. She resided in Sandestin since 2004 and spent her winters in Destin from 2001-03.

Mrs. Parker volunteered at Sacred Heart Hospital, Destin, for three years. She was a member of the Emerald Coast Republican Women’s Club, and Chapter GP of the women’s organization PEO. An avid bridge player, she played monthly with the Destin Women’s Club bridge group.

Prior to moving to Destin, she made her home in Indianapolis, Ind., where she was president of the Riley Home Alliance (1988-89), in the James Whitcomb Riley Memorial Association, and was a docent in the James Whitcomb Riley historic home/museum. She was also an active member of the BC Chapter of PEO.

She graduated with an R.N. degree from the Roosevelt Hospital School of Nursing (New York) in 1943.

She is survived by her daughter, Jarrett Parker Kroll of New York City; son, Harry F. Parker and his wife Lois Hoyt Parker of Destin; as well as three grandsons, Adam Parker of Indianapolis, Kurt Sonderegger of San Francisco, and Charles Kroll and his wife, Jennifer Jensen Kroll of Providence, RI. The Charles Kroll family gave her two greatgrandchildren, Parker and Maisie.

The memorial service will be July 6 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of the Emerald Coast Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.emeraldcoast funeralhome.com.

George R. (Dick) Kneller

George R. (Dick) Kneller, Ph.D., 77, died July 5, 2009, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Destin, Fla. He was born Feb. 14, 1932, near the village of Leipsic, Ohio, to Orville and Alice Niswander Kneller.

A graduate from Leipsic High School, he joined the army serving in the Twenty Fifth Infantry Division's artillery headquarters in Korea.

Returning from overseas he married Patricia Straley, farmed, attended Findlay College, BGSU, and helped raise a family of three daughters.

Mr. Kneller began his University teaching career in 1967 at Ohio Northern University. Upon receiving a Ph.D. from Bowling Green State University in 1970, he moved to The University of Southwestern Louisiana, where he retired after 21 years.

Dr. Kneller was a volunteer with the Emerald Coast Concert Association, Crisis Line, The Fort Walton Beach Sail and Power Squadron, ARMAD, and Covenant Hospice. He was a member of Holy Trinity Church in Fort Walton Beach and a friend and choir member of First Presbyterian Church in Destin.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Melancon Kneller; daughters, Jane (Michael Losonsky) Kneller and their two children Rosa and Miro, Susan (Charles Silver) Kneller Silver and Peggy Kneller; and stepson Paul Bordelon and his two boys, Benjamin and Alex.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Destin, 154 Calhoun Ave., at 11 a.m. July 8.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Covenant Hospice or a medical research facility of choice.

Online condolences can be made to SusanKneller@aol.com