Darrell Arvid Skinner, age 85, passed away Monday at Medical City Hospital in Plano, Texas from health issues complicated by a severe stroke after surgery.

Mr. Skinner is survived by his three daughters: Sabrina Ann Hunt, Tannice Lynette Skinner, and Tia Lisa Lynn Evanenko. He is also blessed with several grandchildren: Sabrina's children - Shannon, Eros, Darean, and Ty. Tannice's children and family – Stephanie Johnson, Michelle Martinez and Garrett Stout, who are expecting their son, Jayce Michael, in September. Lisa's children – Michael, Tiffany, and Rebbeca.

Darrell is a veteran of the Vietnam War and served honorably for 33 years in the United States Navy where he earned four Good Conduct medals and achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He was fondly known as "Doc" by his fellow servicemen and close friends.

Doc's experience in the US Navy played a very important role in his life and provided a lifetime of close friends. He was a true patriot of the United States of America wanting nothing but what was set in stone by the Founding Fathers. He often recounted the serious situations experienced during his service and reminded us of the importance our military plays in our essential freedoms. He could tell immensely humorous stories of the "trials and tribulations" his shipmates could get into while at sea or on land.

During his military career, Doc became a master class marksman in pistol competitions representing the US Navy. His interest in guns never wavered as he pursued the next new model. He loved the sound and smells of military weaponry, but his greatest love was of cannons, tanks, and the big guns on the ships he served.

The sea was never far from Doc's life as he used his early retirement to pursue his love of boats and a passion for ocean diving. He became wreck certified while living in Guam and could be found on the water at all hours fishing or diving.

In addition to all his interests in life, Darrell found community and involvement as a Freemason and Scottish Rite. He was very active with his brotherhood in San Diego, Brush, and as a guest in lodges during his travels. He loved working with the Shriner's during public fundraising events and with private foundations.

Doc had a softer side seen in his later years and an immense love of dogs, particularly Dachshunds – he became very fond of our neighbor's five miniature Doxies who loved him immensely. After the passing of his last Doxie, Fred, he gave in to an older adoption of a Lab/Spaniel mix named Trouble who was his best friend and doted companion in the last six years. He could train those dogs to do so much but never could get Trouble to wear "clothes" like the Dachshunds. In addition to his beloved dogs, he was fascinated by Hummingbirds and could be found doing continual research on them. No matter where he lived, he had hummingbird feeders, would watch them for hours, and sought to have one sit on his hand.

Darrell was also a born again Christian and while his life was one well-travelled and lived, he was firmly set in his spiritual ways. He found great comfort in our local church and bible study group. His many friends in Del Rio were encouraging of his resurgence in faith and welcomed him into the fold at Victory Baptist Church. Our solace is in the knowledge he is with our grandparents, Paul and Glenna, his brothers Paul, Richard, and Glenn, and his son, Michael.

Services will be held in Brush, Colorado and will be announced later to allow time for preparation