Homer Skeens

Homer Wray Skeens, 82, of Ashland, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, in King's Daughters Medical Center in Ashland.

Homer was born Jan. 29, 1932, in Lawrence County, a son of Fred Skeens and Opal Waller Skeens Elswick.


He was also preceded in death by a sister, Carol Skeens Bradley, and two brothers, Fred Skeens and Dennie Skeens.

Homer attended Holy Family Church in Ashland. He was a graduate of Ashland High School and served in the National Guard and the U.S. Air Force in Libya and Germany during the Korean conflict from 1952 to 1956. He retired from Ashland Oil and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 350 for many years. He earned the honor of Elk of the Year in 1998-99.

Homer's smile, love of life, optimistic spirit and gentle nature will be treasured by those who knew and loved him. He enjoyed the simple things in life, such as home improvement projects, a warm fire and spending time with his family.

Homer is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Yvonne Foscato Skeens; daughters Jennifer Cavanaugh and husband William Cavanaugh of Laurel, Md., Karen Skeens Caldwell and husband Charles Caldwell of Houston, Leslie Schweiger and husband Robert Schweiger of Buffalo, N.Y.; grandchildren Daniel Schweiger, Thomas Schweiger, Sophie Caldwell and Christopher Caldwell; and a sister, Lola Fay Sloan of Vero Beach, Fla.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014, at Holy Family Church in Ashland by Father John P. Noe. Entombment will be in Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum in Ashland.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Oct. 31, with an Elks service at 7 p.m. at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel in Ashland.

Friends may make contributions to Holy Family Church, 900 Winchester Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.