Roy Skelton

Roy Herschel Skelton, 85, of Bonne Terre, passed away at his residence surrounded by his loving family on March 9, 2025, in Bonne Terre, MO. He was born on October 4, 1939, in Waynesboro, Tennessee to the late Olen H. and Davie L. (McClain) Skelton. Roy proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following his discharge, Roy owned and operated several small businesses in Bonne Terre. He then went on to retire from Farmington Correctional Center where he worked as a cook.

 A devoted member of the Bonne Terre Church of God and V.F.W. Post 6883, Roy's faith and sense of community were integral to his life. He passionately shared his musical talents by playing guitar at local nursing homes, bringing comfort and joy to those around him. Roy’s greatest moments were spending time with his family.

. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 51 years, Lelia Eileen (Camden) Skelton; son, Steven Messer; daughter, Pearla “Fay” Pagan; granddaughter, Menissa Drum; two great-grandchildren, Katie Dunivan and Ollie Wells; siblings, Charlie Skelton, James Skelton, Earl Skelton, Harvel Skelton, Lorene Riley and Gorden Beryman. Roy is survived by his children; Bill Bowers, Betty (Jerry) Psalmonds, Brenda (Thomas) Shanefelter, Samantha Tripp and Steven Skelton; honorary daughter, Sandra Lineberry Knight; grandchildren, Diva Stricklin, Cheryl Wilson, Lelia Sexton, Miranda Berry, Paul Pagan, Chris Downey, Matt Bowers, Amy Rector, Rita Wells, Billy Bowers, Jennifer Donovan, Susanne Mackley, Bruce Pratte, David Drum, Hershel Drum, Thomas Drum II, Jessica Drum, Terry Goad, Kenny Tripp, Karissa Messer and Amee Messer; twenty-one great-grandchildren; twenty-one great-great-grandchildren; special friends, Steve Stegall and Tom Tedder along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at C.Z. Boyer Funeral Home in Bonne Terre from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Visitation will resume at Bonne Terre Church of God on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm with Pastor Matt Smith officiating. Interment will follow at St. Francois Memorial Park in Bonne Terre with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials can be made to The Ollie Foundation Children's Cancer Aid & Research.