Howard Odell Skinner

January 10, 2022

Howard Odell Skinner went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 10, 2022, at his home in Archer, Florida at the age of 89. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Martha Blitch Skinner for 68 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard B. and Doris Skinner, and siblings Walter Skinner and Marilyn Silcox. Odell served in the Navy for four years, was a graduate of the University of Florida, and went on to have a career in communications. He spent 27 years in public broadcasting which took him and his family to New England for 21 of those years before he returned to his roots in Florida. Odell was a man of many talents including being an accomplished pianist, cook, carpenter, artist, horticulturist, and florist. Throughout his life, he enjoyed gardening, boating, fishing, and antiquing. Odell was a devout Christian growing up in the Archer Methodist Church where he returned to in 1987. Family and friends were always important to him, he had many lifelong friends from his childhood, career, and the communities where he lived. He enjoyed time with his family traveling and camping and providing them with many memorable experiences. Precious memories will be held in the hearts of all as they loved him deeply and dearly. Odell is survived by his wife Martha and four daughters: Brenda Kay Skinner, Marie Lougee (Onie Dale), Ellen Frost (Phillip), and Susan Berry (Fred), and ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to either the Archer United Methodist Church, PO Box 156, Archer, Florida 32618 or the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, PO Box 2000, Boys Ranch, Florida, 32064.