Vern Skillings, 85, of Wallowa died October 7, 2015 in Union. A graveside service will be held Saturday, October 17 at 11 a.m. at Bramlet Cemetery in lower Wallowa Valley. Sharing memories of Vern and a potluck dinner will follow at the Wallowa Church of Christ. Services will be conducted by his nephew, Pastor Weldon Shuman.

Vern was born May 16,1930, in Wallowa to Amos Benjamin and Cora Ellen (Boyd) Skillings. He was a fourth generation Wallowa County resident, living the majority of his life in Wallowa. He married Ruby Lucille Thomas; they later divorced. He married “Virginia Remington August 3,1966 in Enterprise.

He worked as a ranch hand in his early years and later as a logger. He was always a cowboy at heart. He and Virginia loved packing into the high Wallowa Mountains and sharing that experience with family and friends. He will be remembered for his quick wit, the twinkle in his eye, and mischievous grin. He maintained his sharp memory and concern for caregivers during his extended illness.

Vern is survived by sons Dan Skillings and wife Cherie, and John Fine and wife Sharon; siblings Johnny and wife Eunice, Kenneth, and Carolyn Pfeaster; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, daughter Sherry Lynn (Fine) Smith, brothers Ray, Neal, and Darrell, and sisters Mina Shuman, Winifred English, and Myrna Sabey.

Contributions may be made to the Meals on Wheels program in care of Community Connection or to Wallowa Senior Advisory Council.

Bollman Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements