Bob Skeens' widow dies

Nettie Evans Skeens, 75, went home to be with the Lord on June 12, 2010.

She was born Dec. 29, 1934 in Sutton, W.Va.

Preceded in death by husbands, Lawrence Evans and Robert Skeens. Survived by children, Roger (Polly) Evans, Danny Evans, Cheri (Neal) Shimp; grandchildren, Jeremiah Evans, Brady Evans, Ryan (Sarah) Shimp; great- granddaughter, her ``baby girl' Chloe; she was looking forward to her new grandson in July and special friend, Donna Belcher. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Nettie loved Jesus, her Lord and Savior, and served Him by being a prayer warrior for her family and friends.

Graveside service will be June 15, 2010, Tuesday, 11 a.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery, 2580 Romig Rd, Akron, OH 44320, Section Q1. Cox, Barberton (330) 745-3311


Published in Akron Beacon Journal on June 13, 2010

I remember Bob Skeens as an erudite printer with wavy hair, something I never had, who wore glasses and was an intelligent conversationalist. Bob died in 1999 with the Rev. Jimmie Lee Ellis at his side. Pastor Ellis of the Home Missionary Baptist Church on Oaks Drive in Akron died last November.

Bob's wife Nettie and her children, Cheri Shimp & Danny Evans, recalled Bob's final days when they posted a tribute on Pastor Ellis' funeral home guest book.

Retired printer Cal Deshong had memories of both Bob and Nettie. "Bob and I were good drinking buddies back in the '50's," Cal emails, "when Printers were "Printers."

"I remember staying all night at Bob's place after we spent a night on the town... his wife fixed a bacon and egg breakfast for me. He called me Butch back then. I weighed 185 and was single."

Cal added: His name was in the 1984 Employee Directory but not in the 1985 Directory. It's possible he took a buyout.

Bob was born June 21, 1929, and began his BJ career on July 2, 1945.

Now Bob and Nettie are reunited.