Richard Henry Skelton

Richard Henry “Rick” Skelton, 67, of Riverside, California died on 21 Dec 2025 after battling cancer for many years. He was born at Clark Air Force Base, Philippine Islands on 19 Nov 1958 to Henry Lee and Betty Jo (Brown) Skelton. A military “brat”, his family went on to live in Mississippi, Texas, and Georgia before his father retired from active duty and moved the family to Riverside, California. As a young boy, Rick loved sports, excelling in baseball; he played throughout his life and later transitioned to coaching his son’s baseball teams. He took great pride in caring for his yard and enjoyed golfing and fishing of any kind. He also enjoyed hiking and camping in the high sierras and fell in love with its beauty. He graduated from Moreno Valley High School in 1976 and studied briefly at Riverside City College. He then followed his Dad into working for the City of Riverside for over 32 yrs. He started as a lineman with the Electrical Department and later rose to the role of Superintendent. Rick met his future wife, Carla Elise Jenkins, in 1982. The two were married on 11 July, 1986 at Edwards Mansion in Redlands, California. Their two boys followed in 1987 and 1989. Being a grandfather was a role he lovingly embraced, treasuring the time spent with his grandchildren. He and Carla were often on the road to cheer the kids on with sports activities or family events and traveled to Boise, ID to visit with younger grandchildren. Rick was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Carla; sons Zachary (Elyse) and Sean (Kaela), five grandchildren, brother Joe (Linda), sister Patricia, sister-in-law Cathy (Joe), brother-in-law Clark (Carol), 2 nieces, 3 nephews, 3 grandnieces, 2 grandnephews, and stepmother-in-law Cathy Fortin-Jenkins. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Grove Community Church in Riverside, CA on 19 Jan 2026 at 11 AM. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to City of Hope in his name.