Garnett (Pete) Sketers

MSGT Garnett (Pete) Sketers, Retired, went to be with his Lord, at home, received his blessing of eternal life with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 23, 2011. He was 93 years old. Pete was born on March 3, 1917 in Parsons, Kansas to Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Sketers.

In 1942, Pete was transferred to BTC #8 in Fresno, California, where he met his lovely wife, Grace. After 62 years of courtship, they were married on March 3, 1943. One year later, their daughter, Sharon, was born. After the war, he transferred to Eglin Air Force Base, where his son, Fred was born.

In 1953, Pete was transferred to Gary AFB in Selma, Alabama. Nine months later, he was transferred 12 Air Force headquarters in Waco, Texas, for assignment to the inspector general team. When FlyTAF was transferred to Randolph AFB, Pete remained in Waco to establish 18th Air Force. After 1 year, 18th Air Force moved to Myrtle Beach, Florida. Pete remained in Waco to help establish 12th Air Force.

In April, 1963, Pete retired from the Air Force and remained in Waco. At this time, Grace worked as an RN at Connally AFB in Waco. She later transferred to Bergstrom AFB in Austin, Texas. There they built their lovely home.

During his time in the military, he served as Sergeant Major in eight different commands. He received several accommodations from the Air Force and also was a Boy Scout leader, Master Mason, and Blue Santa in Austin.

After Pete retired from the Air Force, he started his second career as a carpenter. His Austin home was the second he had built, having previously built his home in Sherman, Texas. Pete helped build several homes in Battle Bend Springs in Austin, where he lived. He and Grace were married for 59 years.

Heaven rejoiced as he joined the loved ones who had passed before while those he left behind celebrate the boundless peace and joy that is his reward. Garnett was met in heaven by his mother and father; wife, Grace Sketers; and son, Fred. There he waits to be joined by his beloved family, his daughter, Sharon and her husband, J. D., five grandchildren; one granddaughter-in-law; and two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday, February 25, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress Avenue. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Interment will be at 10:45 am on Thursday, March 3, 2011 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.

MSGT, US Air Force has received his final orders and has been transferred to his Celestial Home. He is now retired with God and his Son, Jesus Christ.