Connie W. Skinner

Connie Skinner, 75, died on November 26, 2006 at his home in Topeka. He was born on August 4, 1931 in St. Joseph, MO to Warren W. Skinner and Alma Baumann Skinner. He resided in Wathena, KS, graduating from Wathena High School in 1949. Connie was a lifelong Kansas resident. He was a veteran of the Fourth Medical Battalion, Fourth Infantry Division, U.S. Army.

He was married to Virginia Hoffman Skinner on November 4, 1951, at the Wathena Methodist Church. She survives. Other survivors are three sons: Dan & Christy Skinner, Flagstaff, AZ; Dave Skinner & his good friend, Reggi Greco, Topeka, KS; Cory & Mimi Skinner, Overland Park, KS; one sister, Shirley & Owen Henson, Topeka, KS; grandchildren; Jacob Skinner, Nicole Skinner, Jessica Cassin, Bryan Thompson & Jennifer Steele; four great-granchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

His parents and one grandson, Boe Skinner preceded him in death.

Connie graduated from St. Joseph Junior College, Washburn University, Topeka and received an M. Ed from the university of Kansas He did additional graduate work at Emporia State University.

He spent 36 years as an educator in the Topeka Public Schools beginning as a science teacher at Boswell Junior High School in 1956. He served as principal of Jardine Junior High School (62-74), Topeka West High School (77-86) and Quincy Elementary School (86-92). He was associate principal at Topeka High School for three years (74-77). He was especially proud of the national recognition Topeka West High received in 1983-84, one of the first high schools in Kansas receiving the award, National Award for School of Excellence.

Organizations and affiliations include: member, Grace United Methodist Church, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals, Topeka Elementary Principals Association, Board of Directors of Kansas State High School Activities Association, State Committee of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, President Topeka Administrator's Association, Advisory Committee to the Certification Department of the Kansas Department of Education, Advisory Board of the Stormont-Vail School of Nursing and the Topeka Knife and Fork Club.

A memorial service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 2627 SW Western at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2006. Inurnment of his cremated remains will be at 3:00 p.m., November 29, 2006 at Belmont Cemetery, Wathena, KS. Arrangements are in the care of Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel.

The family suggests memorials in lieu of flowers to Grace United Methodist Church, 2627 SW Western, Topeka, KS 66611 or Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Cr., Topeka, KS 66606. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.