Robert Keith Skillman M.D.

His legacy is alive in his 2 daughters, Marci (Tom) Browning, Urich, MO., Pam (Carl) Handlin, North Ft. Meyers, FL., 2 loving grandchildren, Scott ( Melissa) Mayo, Olathe, KS., Jennifer Mayo, Prairie Village, KS., and 2 precious great- grandsons, Olathe, KS.

“Dr. Bob”, the middle of three sons, was born in Bartlesville, OK., to Ed & Jessie (Pringle) Skillman, February 3, 1924. The family moved to Tribune, KS. a few years later, where Bob grew up, surrounded by a large, loving, extended family & throughout life, many dear friends. Memories of The Dust Bowl, The Depression era challenges, stories of much, much shenanigans(!), and a firm love for God & family, were the foundations of his youth & his life.

Bob attended & graduated from Wichita State University in 3 years, then to KU, Lawrence, KS., next, to KU Med Center training. While there, on a blind date, he met his future wife, Bettye Hironimus, “Liz”. They married in 1951, & soon moved to Chicago, for Bob’s research fellowship at Cook County Memorial Hospital. Bob & an associate discovered the first-ever finger prick test for rheumatic fever, among other things. They returned to Kansas City the following year, where Bob was one of only three hematologists in the entire Kansas City region.

Bob & Liz eventually set up their home in Overland Park, KS., where their daughters were born. In 1960, they built & moved to their Leawood, KS. “forever” home. There, Bob planted Godly examples of kindness & love, both professionally, in the care of his patients, and with and to his family and friends. A nicer, more thoughtful, gentle, kindhearted, living example of Christian principles could not be found! This is the legacy Bob has gifted to us all!

Bob reluctantly retired at age 72! To help ease into retirement, he had a part time job working in a medical capacity for the social security administration & was an active Leawood Lions Club member as well. Later, Bob & his generous heart, took his grandchildren & Marci on phenomenal vacations & trips all over the world! Memories of love, laughter, shared, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, exploring family heritage, and lots & lots of fun, were just a few highlights!

Bob’s love for his church family, friends, his grandchildren & most recently, 2 precious great- grandsons, were the focus of his life! Bob always, always had a happy thought & uplifting word for everyone, bar none! His legacy of Godly love & forward thinking is best said in this quote, from a 2013 Ward Parkway Press Newsletter interview:

“Take every opportunity to help someone- when you help people, it’s like looking in the mirror. It will come back to you.”

God Bless You All!!