David Ray Skeen

Executive, Navy Captain, Educator Dr. David Ray Skeen, age 80, died March 29, 2023 at his home. He leaves wife of 59 years, Carol Jeanne Skeen; his son, Jeffrey Kent Skeen and his wife, Laura; his son, Timothy Sean Skeen and his wife, Toni; and his daughter, Kimberly Dawn Skeen Beck and her husband, James; nine grandchildren; his twin sister, Della Fischer, and his sister, Anna Moore; a brother-in-law, Ronald Stimpert and his wife, Angela Consulo; and many family and friends. Born and raised near Bucklin, Kansas on a farm, the son of Claude E. and Velma A Skeen. After graduating from Bucklin High School, he attended Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas graduating in 1964. After receiving his commission in the U.S. Navy in 1964 and marrying his high school sweetheart, Carol, they moved to the District of Columbia area where he served three years of active duty in the U.S. Navy. As a civilian, they spent two and half years in London, England; they then returned to the District of Columbia area. Dr. Skeen worked for the Federal government for 35 years as a Senior Executive, manager and computer expert for the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He held several senior level positions with his final position as the Deputy Director, Office of Operations, Department Administration, USDA. During the late 1970's, Dr. Skeen worked on President Carter's reorganization Project. After his retirement from the Federal Government, he worked for Lockheed Martin as a Director and Principal Systems Engineering Consultant. He retired in 2006 after working there for eight years. Dr. Skeen was an adjunct professor for 23 years at The George Washington University and George Mason University where he taught graduate level courses in engineering management, organizational development and information systems. He also served as an off-campus advisor for The George Washington University. He received his Doctorate of Science in Engineering Management from the George Washington University, his Masters of Science in Technology of Management from The American University and his Bachelors of Art degree in Mathematics and Physics from Emporia State University at Emporia, Kansas. He served in the U.S. Navy for 31 years and retired in 1991 as a U. S. Naval Reserve Captain. He graduated with distinction from the Naval War College, Newport, RI in 1984. His military decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, and four Meritorious Unit Commendations. After three years of active duty, he remained in the Naval Reserves in positions which included duty at the Naval War Gaming Center, Newport, RI, at-sea exercises and the CINCLANT Headquarters, Norfolk VA. His last assignment was as Executive Officer, NAVSEA Detachment 1606 which during his tenure was selected as one of the best units in the Naval Reserve Program. Dr. Skeen's interest included world-wide travel, photography, antique and art collecting, Bible study and Christian missions' support, sports and enjoying his grandchildren. He was a member of Mercy Presbyterian Church and an ordained deacon in the Presbyterian Church of America. He and his wife, Carol, were active in many church activities and served on the church's mission committee. A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Finch & Finch Chapel, Altavista, VA with future burial at Arlington National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 7, 2023 at Finch & Finch Funeral & Cremation Service, Altavista, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mercy Presbyterian Church, 101 D Northwynd Circle, Lynchburg, VA 24502 or Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center, 1915 Thomson Dr. # A, Lynchburg, VA 24501.

David Ray Skeen

July 12, 1942 - March 29, 2023