In loving memory of

Harold 'Hap' Skillman
October 31, 1941 - July 22, 2013

Harold A. "Hap" Skillman passed away Monday, July 22, 2013 at the age of 71. Hap was born October 31, 1941 to Harold James and Hazel (Davis) Skillman. He courageously fought leukemia for six years.


Hap attended the University of Cincinnati and founded The Skillman Corporation, a midwest construction management firm based in Indianapolis, IN in 1972. Hap was an active business and civic leader in the City of Indianapolis for over 45 years. His volunteer service included past board member and officer of the St. Francis Hospital Advisory Board, past President and board member of Our Lady of Grace Monastery and past board member of First of America Bank. Hap was recognized as a Sagamore of the Wabash and was a 1990 "Entrepreneur of the Year" finalist.


He was an avid golfer and a member of Meridian Hills Country Club, past President and member of Hillcrest Country Club, both in Indianapolis and past board member of Fiddlesticks Country Club in Ft. Myers, FL.


He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years; Barbara "Barb" Joan (Orme) Skillman along with his children; Kim (Jason) Eckerle and Brad (Stephanie) Skillman. Hap loved his grandchildren; Kyle, Jacob and Ella Eckerle. He is also survived by his sister, Delores (John) Miller. The family would like to give thanks and appreciation to Dr. Larry Cripe and the staff of the IU Simon Cancer Center.

Tributes

Peni Parker (Wiedwald) wrote on Aug 3, 2013:

"Barb I'm sending you big hugs and kisses! Love you big. Peni"

David Williamson wrote on Jul 30, 2013:

"I have known Hap and the rest of the family for just a few years, but all of you have made it seem like much longer. You are a great and strong family. I will keep you in my prayers. "

Donna Lewis wrote on Jul 30, 2013:

"To Barb and Family: So sorry to hear of Hap's passing. All my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Maybe he and Tom are up there playing a round of golf and having some drinks. He was a wonderful person. Take Care"

Don Rennard wrote on Jul 30, 2013:

"Barb and Family, I was so sorry to learn of Harold's passing. Harold and your family are such wonderful people. I can remember a trip to Prince's Lakes when we were much younger. I recall our son, Craig, hitting (I think) Kim with a wiffle ball bat. Jody and I were in shock, but you and Hap laughed and made us feel a little less shocked and upset. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all."

John and Chris Pearson wrote on Jul 30, 2013:

"Barb and family, we knew Hap just a few years, but it didn't take long to know what a special man he was. May the love of family and the grace of God comfort you in this tough time. "

Derek Williamson wrote on Jul 29, 2013:

"I appreciate the opportunity of getting to know Hap & his family. I have great respect for his life's accomplishments. He was a kind man that I enjoyed talking with every chance I had. My thoughts & prayers are with you & the family Barb."

John and Barb Burns wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"Hap was a very good man...he was a man's man. He was always decisive and told you what he thought and I always found that refreshing...he was also kind, generous and compassionate. Hap had a keen mind and was plenty smart...you always learned something after spending time with him. Sunday nigts, after couples golf, we would try to out do one another to see who could get the fried chicken drumsticks...I'll miss those times. His golf scorecards were a work of art, they were done with a pen, often purple. Our Fiddlesticks Community lost a huge asset and we lost a good friend. With our deepest sympathy to Barb and her family."

John and Barb Burns wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"Hap was a very good man...he was a man's man. He was always decisive and told you what he thought and I always found that refreshing...he was also kind, generous and compassionate. Hap had a keen mind and was plenty smart...you always learned something after spending time with him. Sunday nigts, after couples golf, we would try to out do one another to see who could get the fried chicken drumsticks...I'll miss those times. His golf scorecards were a work of art, they were done with a pen, often purple. Our Fiddlesticks Community lost a huge asset and we lost a good friend. With our deepest sympathy to Barb and her family."

Bob Kopich wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"Barb and family, So sorry to hear of Hap's passing. We enjoyed some fun moments while at UC. I pray for God's grace for you during this time. Bob Kopich"

Missy Garrity wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"Barb, Kim, Brad, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. We have so many wonderful memories of Hap during our time at Kentucky lake. Prayers to your family. "

Sue & Doug Walton wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"Barb & Family! We are very sad to hear about your loss of Hap. It is a loss that many who knew him share with you. May you take some small comfort knowing that he is at peace!"

Frank j Kopich wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"Barb, what can I say? I am so sorry to hear about Hap's passing. He was a great guy. I shall remember him in my prayers. Frank"

Shelley johnson wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"Kim and family, So sorry to hear about your dad. Thinking of all of you as such a sad time."

Tim Weisenbach wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"Barb,Brad,Kim and family, Hap was a great guy and always with a kind heart. He will be missed greatly!My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this trying time."

Jackie Schloemer Chapman wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"To the Skillman Family: So very sorry for your loss and for all who knew him. Harold Arnold was a good and caring man and was rewarded in life with family and friends as well as now being rewarded in Heaven He was the "Success Story" of Sparrow Ave. but never forgot his humble beginnings. "

reggie and sandy laconi wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"Barb and family: your in our thoughts and prayers. Hap was wondwerful and caring person, we always enjoyed being in his presence. may he rest in peace "

Della Miller Downing wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

" My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I'm sure that Harold is in a much better place."

John and Joan Vance wrote on Jul 27, 2013:

"Barb--so very sorry to hear of the loss of Hap. We are in Minnesota for a family reunion so we won't be there for memorial but will be with you, Brad and and Kim in our thoughts and.prayers in the days and weeks ahead. John and Joan Vance. "

Crown Point Community School Corporation wrote on Jul 26, 2013:

"Our deepest condolences to the Skillman family at this time of sorrow. The Crown Point Community School Corporation and Board of School Trustees"

Teresa Emery Woods wrote on Jul 26, 2013:

"I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."

Gerry and Jacque Wolken wrote on Jul 26, 2013:

""Great Guy" in every respect. we will always remember his kindness, generosity and willingness to step forward for the Fiddlesticks community. The laughs we had together were priceless and I will treasure the memory forever! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Barb and the family. "

John and Erne Bruno wrote on Jul 26, 2013:

"To Barb and Family Hap was a wonderful person-admired in life and will be greatly missed by us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Jim Rapp wrote on Jul 26, 2013:

"Hap made an indelible impression on me as a young man. I always looked forward to being around him. His positive energy and welcoming smile always made you feel like anything was possible. My deepest sympathy to Barb, Kim and Brad. I can proudly say I am a better person from knowing Hap. He was a true leader of people."

Brad Carr wrote on Jul 26, 2013:

"I knew "Hap" as Mr. Skillman growing up and was always in awe of his 21' Starcraft vs my family's 19' as we motored down Kentucky lake. I have always admired his attitude, business sense, humor and sanctity of family. My condolences go to the Skillman family and to the angels, who now have to contend with the pranks of my father, Kenny, and Hap, back together. "

Meg and Bill Southwick wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"Barb and children; We mourn with you in the loss of a great human being. Let us remember all the good times we had - boating, golfing, cookouts, and just meeting for dinner. His presence will be missed at FCC."

Mr & Mrs Rex Delk, Rebecca, and Brendan wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"Rest in Peace Uncle Harold! Our deepest sympathies to Barbara and the entire Skillman family. "

Dennis and Cindy Crawley wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"We love the picture of Hap as it is the way we best remember him. In this day and age there are very men like Harold, a leader, so well respected by everyone who met him. We are lucky to have known such a kind man. Thinking of him makes us smile! Thinking of the Skillman family with heavy hearts. "

Chuck & Lynn Kimmel wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"Barb we were so sorry to hear of Hap's death but he fought hard to stay here with you and your family. We will always remember his wonderful smile and great personality. He was a gracious man who showed great courage and lived his life to the fullest. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. "

Joana Cruz wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"Think about Mr. Skillman it's see a big smile on his face, no matter what, he always gave to me! Mrs. Barbara and family, "The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God." Joana Cruz and Family"

Mike & Joanie Lancellot wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"To Barb & the Skillman Family Hap was a wonderful, caring and giving man who was admired and love by all whom had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be greatly missed at Fiddlesticks. Our prayers are with you during this most difficult time."

Nancy Speedy wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"Hap was such a wonderful and generous benefactor to the Perry Township Schools community. He will be remembered for years to come and missed by many. "

Carole Diane (Lambert) Wilson wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"I am a 2nd cousin of Harold. His grandfather Owen and my grandfather Vern Davis were brothers. I remember his grandmother Lora May well as a child. I have worked may years on the Davis genealogy and would be willing to share with family if they so desire. My sympathy to the family. With the knowledge that Christ lives, we know this is only a "temporary separation." Love, Cousin Carole"

Tom Piratzky wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"Barbara--I had the pleasure of working with "Hap" when I was at St. Franics Foundation. "Hap" was a wonderful person and a mentor to me. I enjoyed the time we worked togehter nad the Fall Chrysanthemum Ball every year. I know "Hap" will be greatly missed. "

don and Maureen Taylor wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"Hap was a great and kind person who will be missed by many"

Carol & Richard Jurkowski wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"I'm so grateful I got to see Hap earlier this year. Little did I know it would be my last time. I so appreciated the the short chat-times I was lucky to have with him. I always valued Hap's business advice. It's so hard for me to think of Barb without Hap - they truly were a symbol to me of a loyal and loving couple. To Barb and her family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength in the days to come. Fondly, Carol & Richard Jurkowski "

Peter and Mary Kay Sidell wrote on Jul 25, 2013:

"Carpe Diem - sieze the day, it is said - well, Hap seized all his days, he seized life and made it better for everyone around him. It was a privilege to have known him."

Mike and Lori Cullen wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"Barb and family we are so sorrry to hear of Hap's passing. Hap did much for Fiddlesticks and will be missed. "

Mike and Bonnie Harpring wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"To Barb and the Skillman family - Our sincere condolences. I never knew Hap to be anything but kind and respectful to everyone he met. An eternal optimist, always ready to greet you with that enthusiastic smile and firm hand shake. We will miss him."

Mike and Audrey Sherman wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"To Barb and the Skillman family, Hap was truly one of the good guys who will be remembered by the many who were fortunate enough to have him cross their path. With deepest sympathy, Mike and Audrey Sherman"

Nooner Supreme wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"To our Nooner Brother.... you will always be part of any Nooner activity! Once a Nooner always a Nooner! The grill will never be the same!"

Mike and Patti Marco wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"Hap Patti and I will always keep you in our thoughts and prayers. "

Joey and Claudia Sichting wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"Very sorry about the passing of Mr. Skillman. My families thoughts and prayers are with you. "

Robb & Karin Smith wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"Hap was our friend. Friends are hard to come by. We are the less without him."

Bruce and Sandy McCulloch wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"Hap certainly put up a great battle against this terrible disease,and we admire him for his determination."

Bob and Wyn Panucci wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"You could always count on the IU flag waving proudly facing the 9th green. Finding common ground with Hap was always so easy, we will miss him."

Rob and Melanie Harmon wrote on Jul 24, 2013:

"I remember the way your dad made all of your friends feel so welcome with his contagious energy and his big, warm smiles. With love and prayers, Rob and Melanie "

Jack and Sue Rogers wrote on Jul 23, 2013:

"To all the Skillman Family, Hap was one of the finest men we have been privileged to know. He was always cheerful, gave generously of his time and talent. His attitude during his fight with leukemia was inspiring. We send our sincerest condolences for your loss. Sue and Jack Rogers"