We have been notified by John Todaro of the Lowcountry Regional EMS Council, of the death of Dennis Skelton, who passed away last week. Mr. Skelton is a long time member of the Lowcountry Council and recently served as Chairman. A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 12:30 PM at the Indian Fields United Methodist Church, 2030 Highway 15 N, St. George, SC 29477. The celebration of Dennis' life will include scripture readings, tributes, and music in conjunction with the service of a meal. Department/Agency dress uniform (if available) is requested with service attendance. His obituary is listed below.

Memorials may be made to Indian Field United Methodist Church, 2030 Highway 15 N, St. George, SC 29477.  

Dennis Earl Skelton ST. GEORGE - On May 5, 2011, Dennis Earle Skelton, 69, quietly left MUSC to join his Heavenly Father. He lost a battle with Leukemia. He was born on December 27, 1941, to the late William Dennis Skelton and Earlene Martin of Clemson, S.C. where Dennis grew up. Survivors include his wife of forty-four years, Linda Wagers Skelton; a son Chad Skelton of Wilton Manors, FL; a daughter Crystal Bridge and husband Shane, two grandchildren, Wagers Hiott and Maxlin Bridge of St. George and step-grandson Zachary Bridge of Varnville. Following graduation from D.W. Daniel High School he entered the Army. Upon return to the states after thirty months of military service in Germany, he began to resume higher education at Tri-County Technical College, Pendleton, S.C. He was awarded a bachelors degree from S.C. State University where he was inducted into the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. Later at Clemson University he pursued additional courses and the S.C. Department of Education awarded a certificate of Master Craftsman. He began teaching drafting and design at Dorchester Vocational Center and contributed to the development of curriculum materials. He was a member of the S.C., National, S.C. Vocational, American, and Colleton County Education Associations. Interested in caring for his fellow man lead him toward certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. He was a charter member of the Upper Dorchester County Rescue Squad. More recently he served as chairman of the Low Country Regional Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. Dennis was an active member of Indian Field United Methodist Church. He served in many capacities of leadership including the Administrative Board, Board of Trustees, and others. Sgt. Skelton retired after twenty two years of service in Active Duty and the S.C. Army National Guard. He received medals and awards too numerous to list, however, he was especially proud of the Sergeant Majors Award in 1987. He was a member of the Woodman of the World, Rosemary Camp #454. A life member of American Legion Post 105 he served as commander for ten years. Dennis was a Mason in the Harmony Lodge #61, Worthy Patron for ten years in the Order of the Eastern Star #166, York Rite Bodies, and Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. Deeply rooted in his military history, he was a member of the H.L. Hunley Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and Lt. Commander of the P.T.G. Beauregard Camp #300 of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars. Dennis managed election polls for a number of years. He enjoyed the extended time he spent in his wood working shop. Creative and skillful, he constructed many projects. He truly enjoyed life and his family. Most of all he liked to see people smile. Utilizing corny jokes and stories he prompted quite a few. Wage thought "Pop Pop" could make or fix everything. Maxli was "Pop Pop's" little nurse. Most of all he was a dedicated citizen of the United States of America who thought it was more important to give than to extend the hand palm up. He will be missed by those who knew him. He was pre-deceased by his father and P.B., Erma, Rhoda, and Buddy Wagers. Memorials may be made to Indian Field United Methodist Church, 2030 Highway 15 N, St. George, SC 29477. A memorial service will be held at Indian Field United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on May 21, 2011, at 12:30 p.m. The celebration of Dennis' life will include scripture readings, tributes, and music in conjunction with the service of a meal. All acquaintances are invited to the celebration. Arrangements are being handled by PALMETTO CREMATION SOCIETY, 11 Cunnington Ave., Charleston, SC, 29405. (843) 722-2555