Thomas Talmage Skelton

Mr. Thomas Talmage Skelton, age 86, of Cleveland, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2019.   Mr. Skelton was born and raised in White County to the late Howard and Neola Bentley Skelton.  He was preceded in death by parents, and brother, Rufus Skelton.   Mr. Skelton was a 1951 graduate of White County High School. He married Mary Lou Pettitt and they spent their early years in the service of our country when entered into the United States Air Force.  Mr. Skelton served for twenty years in the Air Force, serving a tour in Vietnam.  He retired from the service in 1971, returning to White County to drive a school bus while he worked with Civil Defense and Emergency Management in this county.  Mr. Skelton was a former volunteer with the White County Fire Department and a member of the American Legion in Cleveland.  Many will recall his being out in the rain and cold directing traffic for community events. Mr. Skelton was a former officer in the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, having served most of the offices and on the Board of Directors. He received the Woodman of the World Outstanding Citizen Award in 1994. Mr. Skelton provided his time at the Veteran’s Hospital, Red Cross Blood Drives, and the American Cancer Society.  He was a dedicated employee of Barrett Funeral Home since the 1980’s.   Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Mary Lou Skelton; brother, Raymond Skelton, Cleveland; sister, Melvina Hill, Toccoa; and Godchildren, Ashley Edge and Amber McElwaine.     Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Friday, April 5, 2019 from the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home.  The Rev. Paul Flynn, Rev. Gary Heffner, and Rev. Chris Anderson will officiate. Interment will follow in Zion Interdenominational Church Cemetery.   The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Thursday, April 4, 2019 at the funeral home.   To share a memory or leave a condolence, visit barrettfh.com.   Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.