Galen Skelton, 73, passed from this temporary life on earth into his promised home with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 3, 2025. He was born on September 23, 1951, in E. St. Louis, Illinois, the son of Jess & Mary Skelton. His last days were spent at his home in Troy, Illinois with his family he so dearly loved and visits from many friends.
Galen is survived by the following:
- Wife: Pam
- Son: Joshua Skelton (wife Casey)
- Daughter: Lindsay Merkel (husband Jeff)
- Grandchildren:
- Lena Skelton
- Judah Vogt
- Bryce Merkel
- Brooke Merkel
- Brother: Gary (wife Karen)
- Brother-in-law: Darrell Iler (wife Martha)
- Many nieces, nephews and cousins
Galen was predeceased by his:
- Parents: Jess & Mary
- Mother-in-law: Jo Iler-Hiebert
- Father-in-law: Howard Iler
- Step father-in-law: Irwin Hiebert
- Niece: Lori Simms
Galen graduated from E. St. Louis Senior High School (East Side) in 1970, and it was there he met his sweetheart & the love of his life, Pam. They were married at Edgemont Bible Church in 1971. Galen worked as a meat cutter/manager/trainer for Schnucks Markets. Throughout his nearly 40-year career with Schnucks, he worked at many of the stores throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area & also helped open new store locations in other states. He was a people person always with a smile & kind word for the many customers he served. It’s notable that during those Schnucks years he never called in sick nor took a sick day. Because of his career profession, he was a champion connoisseur in the art of barbecuing and smoking delicious meals for family and friends.
First and foremost, Galen was a man who loved God with all his heart, and his faith was apparent to all. To call him a die-hard Cardinal Baseball fan is an understatement. He was gifted with a great voice and loved to sing in high school chorus & church choirs. He was an excellent Pinochle partner. There were many interests he enjoyed. He became an avid bass fisherman after his father-in-law, Howard, took him on his first bass fishing trip in 1972 where he landed an 8-pound bass. He spent many pleasurable days with fishing buddies on beautiful lakes in Illinois, Missouri, Florida, & South Carolina. Most trips he caught bass but even when “they weren’t biting”, he enjoyed the company of his fishing buds and the beauty of nature & the outdoors. Galen with his brother, Gary, reveled in the NHRA Drag Racing circuit and traveled to many cities together to participate with the Jim Dunn Funny Car Team. The team kindly welcomed them as members, and Galen and Gary were delighted to participate in such an exciting way.
The most treasured times of his life were those spent with his dearly beloved family who will deeply miss his presence but will always keep his memory alive. His unwavering trust in His Savior God throughout his life, including his nearly 3 years of health hardship, has impacted and inspired all who know and love him. Galen was a gentle, unassuming man with a deep contentment in and profound appreciation of his family and the life he lived. His legacy lives on.
Special Thanks: We express our profound gratitude to the excellent staff of Heartland Hospice who were “the hands of God” caring for Galen. Because of their exceptional care, Galen spent his last days at his home that he loved.
Services: A Celebration of Galen’s Life Service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 22nd at Metro Community Church in Edwardsville, IL with Pastor Seth Conerly officiating.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Mosaic Health, Granite City, IL.
