Longtime Lovell Resident Darrell Dean Skinner Passes Away at 85

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Darrell Dean Skinner, a longtime resident of Lovell, Wyoming, passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 85. Skinner had a varied career, serving in the U.S. Army and Navy, operating an auto mechanic shop, and working as a ranch foreman and truck driver. He was also a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Why it matters

Skinner's life story reflects the experiences of many veterans and small business owners in rural Wyoming communities. His passing marks the end of an era for Lovell, where he was a well-known and respected figure.

The details

Skinner was born in 1940 in Provo Bench, Utah and grew up working in his family's orchards. He enlisted in the Army at age 16 and later served in the Navy, sharing many stories from his military service. After retiring from the Navy, Skinner moved to Lovell in 1979 and opened an auto mechanic shop. He and his family also briefly lived in Texas and Missouri, where they owned a small dairy farm, before returning to Lovell in 1991.

• Skinner was born on August 16, 1940.
• He enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 16.
• Skinner met his wife Barbara Adolf in 1965 and they were married in 1968.
• Skinner moved to Lovell, Wyoming in 1979 and opened an auto mechanic shop.
• Skinner passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 85.

What’s next

Funeral services for Darrell Dean Skinner will be held on Friday, February 27 at 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center in Lovell, Wyoming. The services will be live-streamed via Facebook Live through Haskell Funeral Home.