Dave was preceded in death by the love of his life, Patricia Howzdy Skewes, his parents, Robert E. and Elaine H. Skewes, and his father-in-law, William Howzdy.
Dave is lovingly survived by mother-in-law, Dorothy Fairbank Howzdy, his brother Robert and wife Diane Skewes, brother Edward Skewes, sister Mary Skewes Kwasniewski, and eight nephews and nieces, Danielle, Kyle, Kevin, Stephanie, Erika, Mary Elaine, Joseph, and John. Dave is also survived by many cousins and a very large contingent of Coast Guard friends and Academy classmates, which he considered family.
Dave was born in New London, Connecticut on July 26, 1956. After attending Waterford High School, he graduated from the U. S. Coast Guard Academy, and remained a proud member of the Class of 1979. While at the Academy, he earned All American status in gymnastics on the pommel horse, and was inducted into the Academy Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. He would also receive a Masters Degree in Total Quality from Anna Maria College. David served his country faithfully with 26 years in the Coast Guard, rising to the rank of Commander. After retiring in 2004 he served an additional 15 years as a management and program analyst for the Coast Guard.
Dave was a man of many talents, a Mr. Fix It guy, who generously gave his time and skills to help others with projects. Dave, we will miss you, your sly smile, your kindness, and your love. Fly high Hoss.
A service will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 11:00 am at Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 161 Embrey Mill Road, Stafford, VA, with a reception to follow at the Church. Dave will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery later this year.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Program (www.cgmahq.org) or Shriners Hospitals for Children (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org)
