Walter “Tom” Skeen
March 23, 1948 - March 16, 2024

Walter Thomas Skeen (Tom), 75, of Fayetteville and Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, following a short battle with Covid.

He was born to the late Walter Skeen and Erma Rinehart of Greenfield, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Claudia in Nov 2003 and his son Anthony “Tony”, in 2023.  He was also preceded in death by both his sisters: Marilyn Skeen and Nancy White.

He is survived by his daughter, Diane Skeen of Wilmington and his life partner for the past 18 years, Barbara Dew of Wilmington, with whom he gained 3 bonus daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He served in the United States Air Force and retired in 1992 after serving more than 20 years as a Flight Engineer on the C-130 aircraft.  After retiring from the military, he returned to Saudi Arabia and was a pilot for 10 years.  Tom had a love for flying and had his private pilot’s license; soaring above the clouds was a dream come true.

He and Barbara Dew enjoyed dancing on Friday nights at the American Legion in Wilmington and “burned up the road” making countless trips between Wilmington and Fayetteville to visit friends and family. Both loved spending time together and looking forward to their next trip. Some of their adventures took them to Germany, Alabama, Hawaii, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, or anywhere there was family to see!

He also loved to fish and could talk to anyone for hours. He enjoyed sharing his wealth of practical knowledge of just about everything. Tom was a handyman that could fix anything around the house.  Tom’s presence in our lives and in our hearts will surely be missed.

A celebration of life service for family and friends will be announced at a later date.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at Novant/NHRMC hospital for their kindness and dedication to their patients. In lieu of flowers, please be kind to others and help someone in need.

To express condolences or to share a memory, please do so below.

Coastal Cremations of Wilmington is serving the family.