Chief Senior Master Sergeant Emil Thomas Skinlo, age 92, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025 in his home. He was lovingly cared for by his wife Mary; daughter, Laura Suda and her husband Steve, Bonita Servey, and grandson Michael Suda.
He was born November 23, 1932 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Mr. and Mrs. Emil Arne (Minnie Blanche Webster) Skinlo. At the age of 2, Emil and his brother, Robert were adopted and raised by their aunt and uncle Conrad and Violet Skinlo. Conrad and Violet owned several businesses in Sioux Falls, known as Skinlo's Corner. They had no children of their own and were able to provide a loving home for their nephews.
In 1954 he married Dorothy Tjden, she preceded him in death. He then married Mary Bomia Servey, and with marriage he was taken into her large family.
In July 1952, Tom enlisted in the US Air Force. He proudly served his country for the next 27 years, retiring in 1978. During his service he served in Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, several other countries and throughout the United States. He was awarded many ribbons, medals and certificates of honors of achievement, he was also able to further his education ultimately earning his master's degree. He was in special forces with the CIA involving covert operations, one of which was escorting our spy, Rosemary Conway, to safety. He helped instruct the South Vietnamese soldiers how to fly T-285 planes to help prepare them defend themselves. He was also involved in the Gloden Gloves Boxing Program and earned the Golden Glove Award himself.
After retiring from the US Air Force, he served passionately at the Omaha Home for Boys for 10 years helping raise young men until they were 18 years old. Many of the positive policy changes he implemented still stand to this day. After moving to Monroe, he was employed at ProMedica Hospital as a security guard.
Tom had a great passion for the outdoors and joys of life and encouraged all of those that knew him to live their life to the fullest. He was always willing to help anyone in need or lend an ear and offer sound advice. He enjoyed fishing and boating. He and his loving wife Mary owned a yacht and had even navigated it through the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers. Together they also enjoyed traveling by train and in their luxury motor home around the US. For many years he enjoyed the winter months in their Florida home. He and Mary managed Spring Haven Campground in Charleston, IL making it an enjoyable family destination for many families to enjoy. He was always more than eager to open their home to host family, whether it be for a vacation stay, a visit, a cookout, a Superbowl party or movie nights. Tom Skinlo simply loved people and saw the very best in everyone. He was also an animal lover. He loved spoiling his two chihuahua's that gave him comfort and love. He was also known as quite the bee charmer, astonishing his many grandkids as he would call to any insects to land on his hands at will. He had a warm and generous heart to all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife Mary, and family members, Rick Servey, Monte Servey, Deborah Puente, Bonita Servey, Laura Suda, and Tim Mangiameli, 11 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.
In addition to his first wife, he is preceded in death by a son, Donald Skinlo and a brother, Robert Skinlo.
In accordance with Emil's wishes cremation has taken place and intimate services will be held for immediate family members. Bacarella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would like to thank Visiting Angels and Elara Hospice for the care and support they provided to Tom and his whole family during such a difficult time.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .