Celebration of Life for TSGT John Skeen
TSgt John Skeen was a World War II Veteran who had been awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was drafted into the Army in January of 1941. Skeen turned 107 on Oct. 3rd, 2025, and spoke to 180 people at his birthday celebration. He died Oct. 22nd. His life will be honored at a celebration form 5-7 p.m. Dec. 8, 2025, at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Center, 7051 Wireless Court, Sarasota. The event is free and open to the public, with food and beverages provided.
Honorary guests at the event include Skeen's daughter Anita, son Greg and their guests; Skeen's own Bob Evans Breakfast Brigade & 70th ID Association; Celebrant Chaplain Frank Bruner, U.S. Army (Ret), the French Consulate; and the Kirby Stewart American Legion Post 24 Color Guard.
The program begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. There will be food, drink and camaraderie before and after the program.
Skeen was generous while talking about his life and wartime experiences. In 2013, he spoke to Michigan State students taught by a special person, his daughter, Professor Anita Skeen. In October of 2023, Skeen was recognized with Suncoast Veterans across three generations with a Congressional Commendation by Congressman Vern Buchanan. He dropped the "first puck" for the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team in 2023. The French government awarded John Skeen its highest honor for a non-French citizen - the Legion of Honor.
