Dr. Robert Skelton

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Dr. Robert H. Skelton, 71, of Bloomfield, son of the late Fred and Erma Lee Waters Skelton, was born Jan. 1, 1939, in Tahlequah, Okla.

He passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, in Cape Girardeau.

He was a voting member of the Western Band of the Cherokee Nation. His great-grandfather, Buckskin Waters, was orphaned during the forced march of the Cherokee Indians on what was later called the Trail of Tears.

Dr. Skelton completed his Ph.D. in education at the University of Arkansas in 1969. His dissertation was entitled "The History of Education of the Cherokee."

He was a member of the history department at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau 31 years. He was a member of Southeast Missouri Council of Social Studies 30 years. He served on committees concerning minority issues, athletics and criminal justice. During much of his time with the university he served as counselor for the students of the Department of History.

During his retirement, he lived on a farm in Stoddard County near Bloomfield with his wife and found pleasure walking amongst his beef cattle. He was a board member of the Stars and Stripes Museum and Public Water District No. 5.

Dr. Skelton was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting deer and squirrel and fishing. He was most happy when he could enjoy the out of doors and allowed area youth the opportunity to fish and hunt his land as well.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Kathryn Mooney Skelton; three daughters, Cynthia Dee Fox, Nancy Gail Skelton and Stephany Guglielmo; and a son, Robert A. Barney. He was much loved by his family, friends and students.

His life was celebrated and honored by a reception at the Stars and Stripes Museum.

It was his request that memorials be sent to The Stars and Stripes Museum at Bloomfield, MO 63825.

Chiles-Cooper Funeral Home in Bloomfield was in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.watkinsfuneralhome.com.