AVA, Gene Edward Skidmore, 81, of Ava, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2009, at John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis, MO. He was born September 22, 1927 in Vergennes, Illinois the son of Robert Benton Skidmore and Eara Lurene (Walker) Skidmore. He married Sondra Euge on November 14, 1950 in Mayfield, KY. He is survived by his wife Sondra Skidmore of Ava, IL, Children: Sondra Lindsey of Potosi, MO, David Skidmore of Ava, IL, Doris Harrison of Ava, IL, Kevin Skidmore of Caseyville, IL; Grandchildren: Justin Skidmore, Tim Skidmore, Alisa Skurat, Casondra Ethington and Michael French; Great grandchildren: Tyler Shipley, Jordon Lynn, Bryce Shockley, Grace Shockley, Caydon Skidmore, Makayla Nagel; Sister: Roberta Goetz of Ava, IL. He served in the U.S. Army during Korean Conflict. Gene was a retired Carman from the Union Pacific Railroad. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, Dupo, IL and the Assembly of God Church in Ava. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Walter Skidmore, one infant son, Dean Skidmore. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 4, 2009 at 10:45 A.M. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis. Rev. Clayton Yoakum will be officiating. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Monday, May 4, 2009. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava on Sunday from 5-8 PM Memorials may be made to Donors Choice.