Rudolph Skillman

Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 1, 2007, with the funeral commencing at 11:00 a.m. at Victorious Believers Ministries C.O.G.I.C., 624 S. Outer Dr. Bishop Marvin C. Pryor will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Browne's Mortuary, 441 N. Jefferson Ave. on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. RUDOLPH HENSON SKILLMAN, Sr. Born: Feb 7, 1935 - November 25, 2007 "Well done my good and faithful servant" Matthew 25:23 Dearly beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend Rudy, age 72, of Essexville, MI expired suddenly on Sunday morning, November 25, 2007 at his home. Rudy was born to the late Leonard Henson Skillman and Marjorie Fristoe on February 7, 1935 in Omaha, NE. He received his formal education at Lake Elementary School and Omaha Technical High School. He was active at the Omaha YMCA, working diligently with area youth. He played baseball and was the only person who could catch the fast balls thrown by Bob Gibson. Rudy was also the undefeated Nebraska State Table Tennis Champion, and was an expert pool player. He joined the U. S. Navy and served for four years. After returning to Omaha he worked for the U.S. Post Office until joining the Omaha Police Department. He married Joyce L. Twyman and together they reared seven children. In 1969, Rudy and his family moved to Saginaw, MI where he was recruited to work at Saginaw Manufacturing as a Sergeant of Security until he transferred to Delphi where he was currently employed. Rudy loved to play bridge with the late Mr. Harry W. Browne, Ruben Daniels, and Mr. U. D. Killen. All who knew him were aware that he was an avid fisherman who would share his catch with everyone. Rudy traveled the United States & Canada to fish with his fishing club, The Saginaw Fish Masters. He loved to read and had an extensive collection of books and jazz music dating back to the early 1920's. To his children and others he was The Barbecue King, known for his top secret homemade barbecue sauce and grilling expertise. In 2004, The Lord sent an Angel into his life, Ms. Barbara Williams-Sane, his fiancée whom he was preparing to marry. During this courtship, Rudy dedicated his life to Jesus Christ, and became a member of Victorious Believers Ministries,C.O.G.I.C. under the auspices of Bishop Marvin C. Pryor , his Pastor. He whole heartedly served on the Usher Board, Security Staff and Men's Fellowship. Rudy faithfully attended Sunday School/Couples class, Monday evening prayer, Wednesday Bible Institute and reading and studying his Bible. Rudy has left to cherish his memory his fiancée, dear friend and companion, Barbara Williams-Sane, and his children and her children: Rudolph H. Skillman, Jr., Bay City, MI, David W. Skillman San Francisco, CA, Randolph H. Skillman and Alicia J. Skillman, Detroit, MI, Sgt. Carter V. Skillman ,Eureka, CA, Felicia E. (Andre) Pyatt of San Diego, CA, Marisa J.(Anthony) Jackson, Lansing, MI and the mother of his children, Joyce Twyman-Skillman, Andrae L. Williams , Saginaw, MI; and MarQuita S. Williams of Lawrenceville, GA. Rudy is also survived by three granddaughters, Jessica M. Garcia, Alma, MI, Meagan Mauer, Kalamazoo, MI and Alia J. Pyatt, San Diego, CA. Three grandsons, Adam Skillman, Midland, MI, Aaron J. Pyatt, San Diego, CA and Nasaan J. Jackson, Lansing, MI. He is also survived by four loving sisters and two brothers; Dorothy Cartwright of Wilmington, IL; Jean (Nathaniel) Jackson of Cleveland, TN, Katheryn (LaFane) Battle of Houston, TX, Henry Hobson and Elizabeth Hobson of Atlanta, GA; and Leonard Henson of Omaha, NE . He also leaves to mourn his passing three great-granddaughters a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends and co-workers throughout the country. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, beloved step-father Henry Hobson, Sr. and two brothers James Skillman and Ray Skillman.

Rudolph Skillman

February 7, 1935 - November 25, 2007