David Dain Skeens, age 71, of Troy, passed away Friday morning at his home. Dave was born December 2, 1931 in Alton, Illinois, grew up in Bunker Hill and moved to Troy in 1954 when he married Gladys Faitz of Troy. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force for 22 years. He was a veteran of the Korean War, where he earned The Purple Heart and several other commendable medals. After his AF retirement in 1970, he began his work as a security guard at Granite City Steel. He retired from there as well. Mr. Skeens was a member of the Troy American Legion, Troy VFW Post 976, past member of the Troy Jaycees, and member of Friedens United Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Gladys; two daughters, Lili (David) Lauer of Fernandina Beach, Florida; Cindy (Woody) Mitchell of Troy; and a son, US Navy Petty Officer First Class David (Erin) Skeens, Jr., of Norfolk, Virginia. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Visitation: Friends may call at Laughlin Funeral Home from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, Tuesday, June 10, 2003 and after 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 11, at Friedens United Church of Christ in Troy.

Funeral Services: Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at Friedens United Church of Christ, Troy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, The Bridge Church, Friedens UCC or to the charity of one's choice.