Douglas Arman Skinner, 89, passed away on Sunday, September 9, 2012 in Harlingen, Texas.
Doug was born in Fleetwood, OK on January 13, 1923.
Mr. Skinner joined the United States Army on April 1, 1943 and was wounded in action on June 6, 1944 during the Normandy Invasion. He was sent to Brook General Hospital, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas for treatment. He was honorably discharged due to his injuries on December 2, 1944. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and Bronze Star for exceptional service to his country.
Prior to and after military service, Mr. Skinner drove a semi-trailer truck hauling produce from California and Texas to Clovis, NM for a local grocer. He was also part owner of a fruit and produce cold storage facility in Littlefield, Texas.
Mr. Skinner married Daphne Huff on May 8, 1945 at Clovis, NM. They moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico in 1950 when he went to work for the AT&SF Railroad. They moved back to Clovis, NM in early 1960’s where Doug and his son Jerry opened J&D Lawnmower. He retired from the railroad on October 1, 1986. After selling the business in 1992, they moved to San Benito, Texas. Mr. Skinner had fallen in love with the Rio Grande Valley during his produce hauling days and his greatest desire was to retire to the valley.
Mr. Skinner was preceded in death by his wife, Daphne, who passed away December 20, 2009.
Both are survived by daughter, Carolyn Nunns of Albuquerque, NM; and a son, Jerry Skinner of Harlingen Texas; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 14, 2012 at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito, Texas, where his final resting place will be beside his wife. Full military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 43 of Brownsville, Texas.
You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Douglas A. Skinner at www.thomaegarza.com.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.
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