Samuel "Sam" E. Skeens

Samuel E. "Sam" Skeens, 79, of Jonesboro, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, in Fort Wayne. He was born in Marion, on April 22, 1944, to the late Elijah Richard and Alice (Listenfelt) Skeens. Sam attended Mississinewa Community Schools. He and two of his best friends enlisted in the buddy program and became US Marines in 1964. Sam married Vickey (Larsen) Skeens on August 21, 1965, they just celebrated 58 years of marriage.

In the 70s, Sam was co-owner of Bedrock Cafe, in Jonesboro, and two pool halls, one in Jonesboro and one in Upland. Sam was a deliveryman for Crystal Laundry/Coverall Rental. He was a freight hauler for Jet Express, hauling mostly GM parts. After retiring, he became a self-employed contractor pulling campers. Sam was a Teamsters Union member.

Despite Sam’s ornery, matter-of-fact, and strongly opinionated personality, he was a one-of-a-kind person and will be dearly missed. He was loving, caring, giving, helpful, and there for everyone at the drop of a dime. Sam was a fisherman and just truly enjoyed being outdoors. He liked spending time with his family, watching his grandchildren play sports, gardening, tending to his yard and flowers, riding motorcycles, and going on trips to Michigan to ride snowmobiles. He loved all animals. Sam enjoyed hanging out with the guys at Kay's Pizza and Kammy's Kafe.

Sam is survived by his wife, Vickey (Larsen) Skeens, Jonesboro; sons, Edward C. Skeens, Sweetser; and Sammy (Tera) Skeens, Fairmount; grandchildren, Ryan (Hannah) Skeens, Sweetser; Katelynn (Trey) Alston, Noblesville; and Kenzie (Brody) Hardcastle, Kokomo; great-grandchildren, Kynlee and Taysom Skeens; sisters, Sue Reeder, Peggy (Rob) Wamsley, Sally (Rick) Thomason, Lorette (Jim) Hossain, and Theatta (Jim) Dobbs; brother, Richard E. "Richie" Skeens; sister-in-law, Phyllis Skeens; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; and best friends, Elrie Armes and Jim Murphy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah Richard and Alice (Listenfelt) Skeens; and three brothers, Tim, John, and Arthur Skeens.

Arrangements for Sam have been entrusted to the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 South Main Street, Fairmount, Indiana 46928, where on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., there will be a visitation for family and friends to celebrate his life. Per Sam’s request, he will be cremated at a later date at North Central Indiana Cremation Services, located in Fairmount.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Sam to the Marion-Grant County Humane Society, 505 South Miller Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953.

Memories to celebrate Sam's life may be left at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.