Lance Steward Skinner

Lance Steward Skinner was born on January 5th, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri to Mary and William Skinner. Two years later the family was blessed with his sister, Elissa. The family of four made their way to sunny Bakersfield, Ca, (Mary’s hometown) when Lance was 5 years old. They settled in the Greenfield area where Lance attended local schools graduating from South High School in 1969. Lance loved music and sports, lettering in tennis and band in high school. He was an extremely talented trombone player and frequently played in many musical productions.

In 1972, Lance, Dale Bystrom, Mike Davis, Randy Fowler, Tim Ross, Scott Thomas, and Vanessa (Hall) Wigton set out for life on the road. Lance was not only a talented slide-trombone player, but he also sang, danced, co-wrote comedy skits, and MC’d the show, despite Randy’s constant interrupting antics and playful insults. With Sundae Afternoon growing in popularity, the group traveled for six exciting years throughout the US, as well as into Canada and Alaska. Trips home to the west coast would include spotlighting on the main stage at Disneyland and Magic Mountain and occasional gigs at Bakersfield’s local Maison Jaussaud's showroom.

Sundae Afternoon hung up their bell bottoms and platform shoes in 1978. Lance and his first wife, Vanessa, married and that union produced two very special children. Daughter Jacqulene was born in 1983, Lance’s precious little girl. In 1986 Brett, Lance’s mini-me, was born. While life on the road was thrilling and spontaneous, Lance found his true joy in being a father and family man. He was faithfully committed to his children, involving himself in as many activities with them as he could, whether it was encouraging picking up an instrument or spending hours on a field teaching them how to not only “play” their favorite sports, but “look good” doing it!

In 1998, Lance married his long-time love, Jan Smith. Together, they would make their home on the northwest side of Bakersfield and support Jacqulene and Brett as they followed in their dad’s footsteps of love for music and sports at Centennial High School. There wasn’t a game or performance you wouldn’t see Lance’s proud smile (or sometimes hear his loud Skinner voice coaching from the sidelines.) His blessings multiplied when becoming a grandfather to 5 beautiful grandchildren: Gabriel and Mia Maegert, and Finnegan, Cillian, and Graeson Skinner.

Lance was also an entrepreneur. In 1986 he started a career in commercial real estate. Later, in 2005, he purchased Certified Realty Services, and HOA Management company. After many years of dedication growing the company, he sold his successful business. After his retirement in 2021, Lance couldn’t wait to spend more time with his growing family and sharpen up his skills on the golf course.

Lance passed away on May 29th, 2023, with his wife, Jan, by his side. He will be mourned by many, but his life will be remembered best by his wife of 25 years, Jan Skinner; his daughter Jacqulene Maegert and grandchildren Gabriel and Mia Maegert; his son and daughter-in-law Brett and Aimie Skinner and grandchildren Finnegan, Cillian, and Graeson Skinner; his sister and brother-in-law Elissa and Steve Ladd; niece and nephew Shanna and Calvin Shebley and children Faith, Paige and Anthony; and nephew and niece Cody and Stephanie Stone and children Jax and Jace; niece and nephew Pamela and Greg Hogan and children Mayaince and Ozias.

We trust in God’s ultimate wisdom and divine plan, knowing He took Lance according to His purpose. However, there is a significant sting for us who remain on earth without him. His life will be one remembered by enduring love, contagious laughter, joyful music, witty repartee and a heart for animals. Lance- husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, we will forever miss your steady and loving presence in all our lives.

Funeral Services for Lance will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306, followed by a celebration of life reception. Please wear "happy colors" that would make Lance smile.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Skinner family.