Paul L. Skinner

He was such a gentle soul.

Paul Lee Skinner, 65, of Plano, and lately of Pavilion on Main Street in Sandwich, IL, passed away in his sleep on June 22, 2023 due to health complications.  He was born on September 29,1958 in Sandwich, IL to Dorothy Lee and George Loring Skinner of Plano, IL.  Paul attended the Plano school system and graduated from Notre Dame High School in DeKalb, IL in May of 1980.

For Paul’s entire adult life, he was a client at the Open Door Rehabilitation Center in Sandwich and worked in the workshop there. He will be missed by the many friends who knew him at Open Door.  He was passionate about birds, especially owls, as anyone who knew him could tell you.  Paul made sure his bird feeders were always full, the outside ones as well as the inside bird cage feeders for his two parakeets, Bluebell and Martha.  He loved to read and enjoyed reading the Chicago Tribune at his sister Eva’s house when he would visit for the day.  He also enjoyed the occasional fun weekend at his brother Joe’s house in Roscoe.  His brother Joe and brother-in-law Brad were his best friends.  Paul loved it when Joe or Brad took him out to eat.  His favorite was the grilled chicken sandwich at Legends.  And he loved sweets.  If you asked him what he liked best, he would answer, “Them all!”  Paul liked to drink tea, especially the different blends he received as gifts from family members who traveled.

You could always tell which of his favorite Chicago teams was playing by the hat he was sporting.  He liked to keep the beat and sing along to his collection of 50’s and 60’s Rock ‘n’ Roll discs.  Paul was independent and very self-sufficient, living on his own for over ten years after his mother passed away.  While National and World history held his interest, he also kept up on local events.  He loved family history. Paul had his DNA done and was very proud of his lineage, especially the British Isles. He was very patriotic and proudly displayed the American Flag on National holidays, and made sure to vote in every election.  He always had a positive mental attitude and kept it until the end.  He was determined to recover from his last illness and return to his home in Plano.  His plan was to get a new bird cage and two new parakeets. He had already picked out names, Franklin and Eleanor, after the former president and his wife.

Paul loved birthday and holiday get-togethers, and he treasured the time he spent with family, especially his nieces, nephew, great-nieces and great-nephew.  He was already looking forward to the next family parties, which he was very excited about.  In fact, just a day before his passing he had asked when and where we were planning Thanksgiving this year.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and George Skinner, and an older brother, George Hal Skinner.  Paul is survived by his sister Eva (Brad) Gardner, brother Joe (Janet) Skinner, niece Stephanie (Jonathan) Piper, niece Emily (Hadrien) Brisard, nephew Jonathan (Miry Kim) Skinner, great-nieces Nora and Olivia Piper and great-nephew Luca Brisard.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on September 30, 2023 at Beverage Family Funeral Home in Sandwich, IL, preceded by a visitation at 11:00.  Interment will be private at Oakridge Cemetery in Sandwich.   Following the service there will be a Celebration of Life for Paul at Eva and Brad Gardner’s home in Plano.

Paul’s family is grateful to Edward-Elmhurst Medical Group, Northwestern Medicine - Kishwaukee Hospital, the Open Door Rehabilitation Center, Pavilion on Main Street, and all who called on him during his last few months.  You all helped Paul immensely and kept his spirits up during this time.

Instead of flowers, donations would be appreciated in Paul’s name to the Open Door Rehabilitation Center in Sandwich, IL.