Walter Neal Skilling

W. Neal Skilling December 29, 1940 –September 25, 2026

W. Neal Skilling was born on December 29, 1940, in Kansas City, Kansas. In 1947, his family relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where his father joined the family business. Neal grew up and completed his schooling in Colorado Springs before answering the call to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps, working as an electronics and radio technician.

Following his military service, Neal pursued higher education at the Colorado School of Mines and later attended Pasadena Nazarene College, where he earned his degree in theology. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Sharon. The couple welcomed two daughters in 1969 and 1970. After attending trucking school, Neal moved his family to Idaho to haul cattle. Their family was made complete in 1978 with the arrival of their baby boy.

Though Neal spent a brief period working in carpet installation and cleaning, his true vocational home was on the open road. He returned to long-haul trucking, driving freight across the country. For Neal, the highway was more than a route—it was a ministry field. During his decades on the road, he faithfully ministered to fellow truckers and the occasional hitchhiker, handing out tracts, some warm blankets, and a few of his cardigans to those in need.

Above all, Neal loved Jesus and was, at heart, an earnest and lifelong student of the Bible. He wore out multiple sets of cassette tapes listening to audio Bibles on his long drives. An extraordinarily curious mind, he was a voracious reader of non-fiction books, magazines, and newspapers. When he wasn't behind the wheel, Neal was happiest outdoors in the mountains—camping, exploring, and rock hounding.

Neal is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Sharon; his children, Michelle (Brian), Aileen, and Patrick (Sarah); six cherished grandchildren; and three (soon to be five) great-grandchildren.