Edwin Walter Skinner
January 12, 2015
Edwin Walter Skinner
Pleasant Hill
Edwin Walter Skinner, 78, passed away January 12, 2015. He was born February 9, 1936 in Des Moines to Robert and Vesta (Patterson) Skinner. He married Lois J. Bumann of Ida Grove, IA July 8, 1962. They have three children, Geri Huser (husband Dan), Julie Stewart (husband Mark) and Robert Bradley Skinner (wife Chaille); and grandchildren, Kelli Huser, Blake Huser, Morgan Stewart, Addison Stewart, Evan Stewart, Jude Skinner, Cole Skinner and Chase Skinner. He has one brother, Robert Alden Skinner (wife Donna). Their children are Kyle Skinner, Troy Skinner and Darcee Skinner.
Ed was raised on a dairy farm and was responsible for completing his farming tasks prior to being allowed to play football and basketball at Runnells High School. Many a day was started before 4:00 a.m. in order to complete his chores. This regime instilled in Ed a work ethic that we see today in his law practice and that is expected in his family. At home Ed enjoyed being with his family and planned many memorable trips for them.
Ed graduated from Runnells Consolidated High School in 1954. He attended Drake University, receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree from Drake University in 1960 and also being accepted into membership to Beta Beta Beta Biological Society. In 1963 he graduated from Drake University Law School. In 1968 he received his Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School.
Ed clerked with Altoona attorney James P. Irish, his mentor, before his graduation from law school. He practiced law in Altoona in 1963 until present. He proudly served as City Attorney for the Cities of Runnells, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, and Cumming.
He was supportive of his profession and was a member of the Polk County Bar Association, Iowa State Bar Association, American Bar Association, Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, and American Association for Justice.
From 1968 through 1972, Ed served as State Representative in the 63rd and 64th General Assemblies. He was instrumental in passing the City Home Rule. Other significant work for him in the legislature included the Bertrand Historical Site and the study for the formation of Living History Farms.
Ed served as a Member of the Democratic State Central Committee, and as State Treasurer for the State Democratic Party. He originally incorporated and worked to organize the Pony Express Riders to benefit Camp Sunnyside. Ed assisted in the initial organization of the Altoona Chamber of Commerce.
In 1984 Citizens for Progress through Racing was organized to support a horse racing facility in this area. Ed was chairperson of this organization which resulted in Prairie Meadows. He oversaw the construction of the original Prairie Meadows and served on the Board of Directors of the Racing Association of Central Iowa.
In 1984, Ed along with three other individuals started the Southeast Polk Scholarship Fund which continues today through the Southeast Polk Dollars for Scholars. In memory of his former law partner, The James P. Irish Law Scholarship for Drake University Law School was started. He along with his good friend, Mike Horton, were instrumental in ensuring the continuation of the Vocational- Technical Exposition started at Southeast Polk. It continues to this day. Ed served on the Southeast Polk School District Board of Directors as did his grandmother, his father, and his son.
Ed spearheaded the establishment of East Polk Regional Development, East Pointe Business Park, Industrial Rail Spur, Elevator and Rail Spur In Pleasant Hill, Mid American Standby Diesel Project in Pleasant Hill, Altoona Crossing Business Center, Copper Creek in Pleasant Hill, Rising Sun Development in Pleasant Hill, Four Mile Development, Arbor Ridge Development in Bondurant, Deer Creek Estates in Ankeny, and Country Club Crossing in Altoona. Ed was also involved in the Highway 65/5 Bypass, Iowa Cold Storage, Ryder Truck, Detroit Diesel, Merchants Transport and Storage, and Iowa Donor Network.
Cultural and Benevolent Memberships he had been involved in were, Altoona Lions Club, East Polk Rotary, Altoona Chamber of Commerce, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, King David Lodge, ZaGaZig Shrine, Scottish Rite, and York Rite of Free Masonry. Ed served on the Board of Directors of the following: Keep Iowa Beautiful, Valley Bank, Iowans Supporting Israel, Southeast Polk Schools, Racing Association of Central Iowa, Grants Committee for Prairie Meadows, Hospice of Central Iowa and Terrace Hill Foundation.
Ed received honors from the following organizations: Keep Iowa Beautiful, Polk County Democrats, Iowa State Bar Association, King David Lodge, Prairie Meadows, Altoona Chamber of Commerce, Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Polk Schools Hall of Honor, Southeast Polk Dollars for Scholars, Lions Club International, Rotary Club Foundation, and Future Farmers Association.
Services will be held at 10 a.m., on Saturday, January 17, 2015, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th Street Southwest, Altoona with burial to follow at Lowman Cemetery in Runnells. The family will receive visitors Friday evening from 4 to 7 p.m., at the church.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Southeast Polk Dollars for Scholars, or to an organization of the donor’s choice, in loving memory of Ed.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Karen Armstrong
01/14/2015
Lois, I was so saddened to hear the news that Ed had passed, especially since we just talked a few short weeks ago. My deepest sympathy to you, Jerri, Brad, and all the family. Ed was a good friend to many including myself! He will be dearly missed! May He rest in the arms of Jesus!
Karen Armstrong
The Cooneys
01/14/2015
Lois,
It is with heavy hearts that we offer our condolences to you and your family. Ed answered God's call and may he now rest in peace. You have been great neighbors and we thoroughly enjoyed our all too brief friendship with Ed. Please call upon us if we may help in any way. Peace be with you!
The Cooneys
Barbara Hancock
01/14/2015
My deepest sympathy to Lois and family. I was deeply sadden to hear of your loss. Ed was a good friend to my late husband, Jim Hancock. I will miss your sweet face and kind smile. Rest in Peace my Dear Friend.
Josie Bishop Lehman
01/14/2015
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Ed was a staple in the Eastern Polk County community and the go to guy. He has left a legacy that cannot be duplicated by many and for that you must be very proud. He will be greatly missed by many people. He always called me sweetheart - as well as many others, but he had a way of making people feel special. Praying for peace for your family during this time of loss.
Levi E. Pence
01/14/2015
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find comfort in past memories of a great man. We have worked with Ed for 40 years. He has always been honest, and thorough. A man of vision and integrity. He will be missed. Levi and Barbara Pence
Randy, Jan, Ryan, Brett Stewart
01/14/2015
To The Skinner Family: Our hearts go out to you at this time of sadness. May the wonderful memories of a great man help you both now and in the future. Ed will be remembered by our family as a very friendly, welcoming person. From Randy, Jan, Ryan, Brett Stewart
PJ and Claudette McDonald
01/14/2015
When the news came in yesterday about your death, Ed, we dropped into a black hole of emptiness.Our first expression was simply to cry, and we did so, together, then we stayed in the black hole all day long.
You and your family have been with us for half a century and you have grieved with us when we lost other loved ones.
We share deeply with your family in the loss of the man who contributed so much to our lives. Our tears,our prayers, our care and concern for all of you will remain.
janice wieslander
01/13/2015
Dear Skinner family,
our thoughts and prayers are with you. Godspeed Ed.
The Jerry Wieslander family
Judy Jay
01/13/2015
Ed: My first experience working in a campaign was when you ran for office in the 60's. You will be missed by many. Prayers for your family.
William Sidney Smith
01/13/2015
Hey Bud, we are going to miss you greatly. What a lawyer and what a person. I remember when the two of us didn't have any money to pay for the two malts we bought (although we were driving in a nice car). So many memories and you accomplished so very much. All my thoughts to the family, I will miss Ed greatly.
Bill (Smith)