Dr. Lee Roy Skeens, 72, of Burlington, died Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born July 22, 1952, in Davenport, he was the son of Roy Lee and Betty Hammel Skeens. He married Judy Peterson on May 27, 1972; they later divorced. On March 18, 1995, he married Ruth Nell Derr at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Farmington.
He graduated from Davenport Central. He obtained an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice through the Air Force followed by a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Southwest Texas University. He then completed his Master's in Psychology and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Psychology from Webster University. He also held certificates from the American Association of Christian Counselors and the American Association for Counseling and Development.
He was proud to serve his country in the United States Air Force. Dr. Skeens was a psychology professor at Southeastern Community College from 1991 until his passing.
He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish where he served as a lector and Eucharistic minister. He also served as a faithful navigator for the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree. Dr. Skeens was the president of the SCC Higher Education Association for many years. He was a published author and used his books during lectures. He was a former member of the Burlington Harley Davidson chapter and a former member of the Burlington Notre Dame School Board. He was an avid racquetball player for many years, enjoyed playing golf, and riding his motorcycle. He loved Elvis and John Wayne. He enjoyed a good political conversation over a cup of coffee and was a faithful Democrat. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Nell Skeens of Burlington; children: Tiffany (Todd) Frye of Clive, Brandi (Troy Slusser) Skeens of Davenpor, Jeremy (Cary) Skeens of Burlington, Melissa (Don) Claassen of Sutter, Jeremy (Laurie) Derr of Kapa'au, HI, Meranda (Corey) Anderson of West Point, and Eric (Kieran Sludds) Derr of Mona geer, Ireland; grandchildren, Grace, Brady, Alexa, Lila, and Griffin Frye of Clive, Shannan Skeens of Burlington, Michaela (Duncan) Jackson of West Point, Colby and Chase Claassen of LaHarpe, Grant and Macy Anderson of West Point, and Lily and Leo Derr of Kapa'au, HI; two sisters, Anne (Ed) Eden of Moline, and Joy (Mike) Munch of Dahinda, Ill.; brother, Edward Skeens of Bristol, Vir.; three sisters-in-law, Patti (Steve) Wood of Texas, Linda (Dennis) Biddenstadt of Iowa, and Lolita Ray of Iowa; and dear friend, Dr. Forest Morrisett of West Burlington; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 12 to 6 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 4 to 6:00 p.m., following a 3:30 p.m. Rosary Service Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Dr. Skeens will be 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Very Rev. Father Marty Goetz as the Celebrant. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the cafeteria at St. John's Catholic Church.
Cremation has been accorded to Prugh Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and Transitions Des Moines County.