Claude L. Skiles, of South Charleston, passed away peacefully in his home after a short illness. He was surrounded by his family.

Claude was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jo Ann Skiles and his daughter, Rebecca Jo Baldwin. He was the youngest and last surviving sibling of eleven brothers and sisters.

Claude was a member of the Southridge Church of God, formerly the First Church of God, for over 50 years. One of his proudest accomplishments in the church was the creation of the church library that he and his wife of 57 years poured their heart into. Claude was a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 20 for many years and enjoyed traveling and camping in the beautiful state of West Virginia.

Claude was a graduate of Dunbar High School in 1944. He gained his college education late in life, with a Bachelors degree in chemistry. He was employed by Union Carbide, Dupont and finally the West Virginia Department of Highways, from which he retired in 1979.

He had many interests and hobbies that he shared with his sons, including music, stamps, bird watching, genealogy, watching sports and movies. Lately, he especially enjoyed his Saturday nights playing cards with his new card playing buddies, while listening to Gaither music.

Claude was loved by many and will be missed greatly. But we know he is at peace now and reunited with his wife, Jo Ann. We, his family, are proud of him and his life and we consider it an honor to have been part of it.

Surviving are his sons, Phil and Charlie Skiles and his daughter-in-law, Tricia Skiles. He has eight grandchildren, Claudia, Andrea, John, James, Peyton, Conner and David. He is also survived by seven great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 25 at the Southridge Church of God with the Rev. V. P. Palmer officiating.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, March 24, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be directed to the Southridge Church of God, 100 Eagle Way, South Charleston, WV 25309.