SKELLEY, Robert M. (1926-1972)

SKELLEY, KNAPPER, OXLEY

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 5/2/2015 at 21:05:32

Robert Skelley, Corwith Mayor, Dies at 46

Funeral services for Robert M. Skelley, 46, the mayor of Corwith the past six years, were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the United Methodist Church at Corwith with the Rev. Frank Considine officiating. Interment was in the Corwith cemetery with the Blake Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Robert Maxwell Skelley was born May 5, 1926 at Corwith, son of Everett and Gail Oxley Skelley. He received his education there, graduating from the Corwith High School in 1943. He was a life long member of the Corwith United Methodist Church.

In 1944 he was employed by the Davis Elevator, remaining there 14 1/2 years, with the last eight as manager of the Hanna Branch.

He was married to Eloise Knapper July 1, 1950 in the Bethel Baptist Church at Britt. In 1959 they moved to Corwith where he established the fertilizer, seed and feed business and had been a substitute mail carrier since 1963.

In August of 1961 Robert was appointed to fill a vacancy on the town council where he served for five years. He had been the mayor of Corwith since 1966.

He was a member of the North Iowa Area Development Business and Industry Committee; the Hancock County Crime Commission; Hancock County Board of Eminent Domain; Board of Directors of the Corwith Apartments; Corwith Community Club; and Royal Neighbors.

He died of a massive heart attack on his 46th birthday at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt.

Mr. Skelley is survived by his wife; a son, Robert Kevin, and one daughter, LuAnn Kathleen; his mother, Mrs. Everett Skelley, also of Corwith, and a brother, John, Wallington, N.J. His step grandmother, Mrs. Lydia Skelley of Mason City, also survives.

source: Algona Upper Des Moines, 11 May 1972, page 1, col 2