Richard Thomas Skidis

Richard Thomas Skidis, or Richie to his many friends, was born on January 26th, 1965 in East St. Louis, IL, the son of William Luke and Frances Louis (Smotts) Skidis Jr. He was raised with one brother Charlie Grooms, who preceded him in death in 2019, and one sister, Martha L. Skidis Cutter, who preceded him in death in 2012. Richie came into life a man of great strength, with a large heart and a bigger smile. He loved music, especially the old school country like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Elvis Presley. He worked in the Wagoner Group Home Greenhouse of Sequoyah Therapies, raising seedlings into plants. There were plenty of great DVD’s and this would include Marvel, DC Action, Mork and Mindy, 911 Emergency, and his all-time favorite, John Wayne. He loved to cook, there were many times he told stories about working in a Waffle House making pancakes with his brother years ago. Some of his favorite foods were Frog Legs, Steak & Baked Potato, Lobster Bisque, and his all-time favorite was making Chili Mac with his brother Charlie. He loved to rent a cabin at the lake during the summer and just enjoy the peace and quiet of being away from the group home, he loved solitude as well as being the life of the party. He traveled with his brother Charlie and managed to see 48 states of the United States. He enjoyed the need for speed, and watched NASCAR with his brother Charlie, cheering for his favorite driver Dale Earnhardt Jr #88. Richie could be a bit of a flirt and enjoyed grinning at the ladies whenever he could. He had proposed to many of the ladies over the years. He could spend all afternoon on his cell phone and liked corresponding with his ETL Teacher David. He loved to sing in the car and sing karaoke with his housemates. His personality was larger than life, and you had no choice but to smile whenever Richie was in the room. Richie was raised in a Catholic Home and kept his Rosary beads close by his side. He had endured the loss of his mother, father, brother Charlie and sister Martha. Richie would make friends wherever he went, he was kind spirited, possessed an amazing personality, and a heart of pure gold. His health began to fail him, and the Lord called this kind, wonderful man home from all his labors on April 22nd, 2024 in Ft. Gibson, OK. He was 59 years old and left a vacant chair that cannot be filled.

Those left to cherish Richie’s memory include six very special friends that shared his life daily, and the wonderful staff/family who he adored, Amanda Paris of Wagoner, Jay Winkler of Tahlequah, OK, Tia Roberson of Muskogee, OK, Relda Grant of Wagoner, OK, Wanda McNack of Wagoner, OK, Abigail French of Wagoner, OK, Vicki Jones of Wagoner, OK, Letina Harley of Wagoner, OK, Amanda Taylor of Wagoner, OK, Alan Gordon of Wagoner, OK, Trina Hooks of Hulbert, OK, Andrell Current of Wagoner, OK, Anna Smith of Wagoner, OK, and Miranda Shinkman of Wagoner, OK, Hailey Dale of Wagoner, OK, Brooklyn Hawkins of Hulbert, OK, as well as many friends he has made throughout the years.

Graveside services for Richard Thomas Skidis will be conducted on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 at Elmwood Cemetery in Wagoner, OK with Reverend David Medina of St. Brigid Catholic Church officiating. His friends will have a Wake on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at Holy Cross Catholic Church Activity Center beginning at 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

Pallbearers for Richard include Alan Gordon, Shawn Serviss, Cole Gordon, Ronald Shanks, Michael Palmer, and Gregory Strickland. His honorary pallbearers are the Staff of Sequoyah Enterprises, Jay Winkler, Tashawna Allison, Michael Adam, Marsha Graves, Anna Covaci, Grant Breslin, Jacque Shropshire.

Eternal Rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.