William “Bill” Wade Skouby, age 77, eldest son of Delmar Wade and Helen (Abrams) Skouby, was born Nov. 11, 1931, in Prescott, Mo. He passed away March 20, 2009, at his home in Houston, Mo.
William married Mary Louise Tate on August 4th, 1954, in Thayer, Mo. To this union three children were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Helen Skouby; one sister, Norma (Skouby) Mizell; and one brother, Kenneth Skouby.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Skouby of the home; three children, Reginald Wade Skouby of Houston, Mo, Pamella Hill of Collinsville, Okla., and Renie Skouby of Houston, Mo.; four grandchildren, Shawn Wade Skouby of Houston, Mo., Gabriel Robbins of Wichita, Kan., Rheanan Vickers of Versailles, Ky., and Whitney Williams of Houston, Mo.; three great grandchildren; and three sisters; Frankie Shelton of Wichita, Kan., Kay Sims of Osage Beach, Mo., and Deborah Walden of Poplar Bluff, Mo.
William served in the United States Navy for 20 years as Chief Petty Officer/SHC and was a Veteran of Foreign Wars, serving two tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam, 2 1/2 years each.
After William’s tour of duty in the military, he and his family returned to Houston, where he began working for the H.D. Lee Company and was promoted to Superintendent for 16 years. William was extremely innovative and dedicated to his career. While in charge of over 350 people, he upgraded and built new machinery, equipment and other apparatus while initiating new ideas for the company and its production, in addition to carrying out his other duties. William was well respected and appreciated for his character and consideration to his employees.
William was very prominent in the growth of the community and the City of Houston. He was relentless in promoting change for the city while encouraging others to support advancements, modifications, and amendments for the betterment of the community. He played a crucial role in founding the Fraternal Order of Eagles, was an active member of VFW, American Legion, and Houston City Council, where he served as alderman for six years. He continued to serve the public by maintaining every road sign in Texas County and some surrounding areas for many years.
After retirement, he started his own lawn service, utilizing his famous John Deere tractor, making him more than proud, once again, of his ability to beautify his community.
William was a devoted family man, wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services were Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Ed Hamilton officiating. William was laid to rest at Allen Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be sent to www.evansfh.com.