John B. Skeens

November 2, 1936 - January 1, 2022

John B. Skeens was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia on November 2, 1936 and after a decline in health, passed away at his home in Halfway, Missouri on Saturday, January 1, 2022. He was at the time of his passing 85 years, one month and 30 days of age. As a young man John and his family moved from Virginia to Illinois. He rodeoed and worked at Caterpillar Tractor Co. in Joliet, Illinois. John loved horses and spent a good part of his life raising, training, and trading them. He was known to his friends as “Trader John” or “Cowboy.” He loved to trade and would trade for almost anything. John married his wife, Darlene (Gragson) Skeens on June 26, 1989. He had a son and two daughters from a previous marriage. John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Darlene Skeens; son, Lee Brian Skeens & wife Kristina; twin daughters, Kathleen Skeens and Karen Skeens; brother-in-law, Billy Gragson; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. A Celebration of John’s life will be announced by the family at a later date. Cremation rites were accorded under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness and Viets Funeral Home in Buffalo, Missouri.