Leland Skinner

Leland Duane “Lee” Skinner age 83 of Ithaca, MI, passed away Friday, September 1, 2017, at Yoder's Amish Sale doing what he enjoyed visiting all of his friends with his loyal side kick, his dog Patty.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, Michigan at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 with Minister Michael Litwiller officiating. Burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery Ithaca, Michigan. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, 2-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, Michigan.

Lee was born in Jay County, Indiana on November 1, 1933, the son of Ernest Floyd and Rhoda Sara (Davis) Skinner. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the class 1951. On May 10, 1957, Lee married Delores Joan Anderson in Emerson United Methodist Church in Emerson Township, Michigan. Delores passed away on September 29, 2010. Lee proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked at Redmond's and Sealed Power before returning to farming full time.

Lee was a farmer in Newark Township most of his life and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and enjoyed going out of state to hunt. He worshiped his grandchildren and great grandchildren and went to every sporting event they were involved in. Dee and Lee square danced with Kountry Kuzins for many years. He was involved with the Ithaca Lions Club and Farm Bureau.  He served Newark Township for many years as a Treasurer and it still a trustee.  Dee and Lee enjoyed many years of camping in Michigan and would camp every year at Yoder's Amish Sale. He made a friend every where he went.

He is survived by his 4 children, Barbara Stahl of Breckenridge, MI; David and Tamey Skinner of Ithaca, MI; Gary and Marcy Skinner of Ithaca, MI; Debra Viles of Ithaca, MI; 11 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, 2 sisters, Helene and Koma and 1 brother Bill.

Memorials may be made to Gratiot County Fair for Youth 706 South Lincoln Ave Alma, MI 48801, Ithaca Lions Club, or the Charity of the Donor's Choice. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.