Edward Henry Skiffington, 92, loving husband and father, military officer and educator passed away surrounded by family while in California on February 21, 2011. He was a resident of Springfield and a member of Immaculate Conception Church since 1966. "Skiff", as he was known, was born on April 10, 1918 in Ware, Mass. to James and Mabel (McBride) Skiffington. He graduated from Classical High School in Springfield, Mass.; Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Nebraska University in Omaha. He later earned a Masters in Personnel Management from George Washington University and a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Missouri State University. Skiff was a United States Army veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He attended the Citizens Military Training Camp (CMTC) from 1936 to 1939 and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the United States Army. He was called to military service in 1942 after Pearl Harbor. Skiff served in General George S. Patton's famed 3rd Army in Europe and in the 25th Infantry Division in Korea. In his distinguished 28 year military career, Skiff earned the Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for gallantry in action, a Bronze Star for valor, a World War II Victory Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. He retired as a Lt. Col. in 1968. Skiff and Charlotte Lewis were married in Colorado Springs, Colo. on July 12, 1952. They were privileged to share over 58 loving years together. He was completely devoted to his wife and family. After retiring from the United States Army, he became an Assistant Professor at Missouri State University in the School of Business Administration. After 20 years of teaching, he retired and was named "Professor Emeritus." Skiff has been an active member of the University Club and the Elks Lodge #409. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother James ("Jim") of East Long Meadow, Mass. Skiff is survived by his wife Charlotte; sister, Mary Maybelle ("Mim") Skiffington of East Long Meadow, Mass.; son, Edward ("Skip") of Springfield, Mo.; daughter, Susan and husband Dennis Day of Overland Park, Kan.; son, Stephen ("Steve") and wife Jeannie of Buffalo, N.Y.; daughter, Ann and husband Ronald Sodini of Chicago, Ill.; and son, John and wife Lisa of Houston, Texas; and numerous loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 1 in Immaculate Conception Church followed by a visitation under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice.