Thomas Dean Skidmore

     Rock Rapids, IA        Thomas “Tom” Skidmore, age 79 of Rock Rapids, IA died Sunday, March 26, 2017, at his home in Rock Rapids.        Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017 at the Christian Church Disciples in Rock Rapids, with Reverend Carolyn Salberg, officiating.        Military honors by the Rex Strait American Legion Post 103 and Van Anne-Fields VFW Post #6960.        Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the Christian Church Disciples.           Thomas Dean Skidmore was born on August 6, 1937 in Rock Rapids, IA, the son of Silas and Senora (Shackelford) Skidmore. He grew up in Rock Rapids and attended school there. Tom enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on September 14, 1954 and was honorably discharged on September 30, 1980. He served overseas in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and England. During his time in the service he met and married Miyo Toyozato on June 9, 1961 in Okinawa, Japan. The couple made their home in Okinawa for a time, Fayetteville, NC, Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, VA, Offut AFB, NE and after being discharged from active service moved back to Rock Rapids, IA, where he worked for the U.S. Postal Service. To this union two sons were born Michael and Patrick. Tom was an active member of the Rex Strait American Legion of Rock Rapids. He enjoyed hunting, camping with his grandchildren, playing guitar, sailing, and loved racing motorcycles.        Tom is survived by his wife Miyo Skidmore of Rock Rapids, IA; two sons, Mike Skidmore and Pat (Melissa) Skidmore both of Rock Rapids, IA; three grandchildren: Dalton, Jacob and Thomas Skidmore; two brothers, Don Skidmore of Windsor, CA and Bruce Skidmore of Tennessee; sister, Virginia Campbell of Rock Rapids, IA; and several nieces, nephews and other extended family.        He was preceded in death by his parents, Silas and Senora Skidmore; six siblings: Bill Skidmore, Gene Skidmore, Vera Skidmore Hommes, Clel Skidmore, Dorothy Skidmore Elkind and Burleigh Skidmore.