A Tribute and Celebration

We were the class of 1958, members of the Greatest Generation as well as children of the Greatest Generation. Born in 1940, we are also called members of the Traditional Generation.
Our childhood, post World War II, "was the best of times . . . it was the age of wisdom . . . it was the epoch of belief . . .it was the season of Light . . . it was the spring of hope . . . we had everything before us . . .we were all going direct to Heaven . . . ." (A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens.) At least, that's the way I felt about it. We were truly blessed.
- Ouida Tomlinson -
This blog is a place for 1958 graduates of Meridian, Mississippi, High School to stay in touch, post their news, items of interest and photographs.
CLASS OF 1958 MEMORIES (Click to read all posts relating to sports, honors, graduation and other memories of our class in 1957-58.)
FACEBOOK PAGE FOR CLASS OF 1958
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MHS58/

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Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Jere Kent Skelton

Sep 19, 1939 — Feb 18, 2026

Meridian

A funeral service for Jere Skelton will be held Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with Bro. Jesse Quinn officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM at the funeral home prior to the service in the chapel. Burial will follow at Coker’s Chapel Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Jere K. Skelton, age 86, of Meridian, MS passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Marion Health and Rehab.

Jere was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving as a SeaBee from 1959 to 1963. He was stationed on Midway Island, Adak and in Kodiak, Alaska. Meridian, the State of Mississippi, and the Navy were represented well by Jere, with his athleticism as a Golden Gloves champion and his ability on the field with various sports both playing and officiating, which he loved deeply. His favorite sport had to be the great game of golf, playing almost daily for years and accomplishing the feat of making a hole in one on multiple occasions.

A family man, Jere loved his children, but after becoming a grandfather he gained the family name of “Gramps” which fit him with perfection. He was a Christian man that loved the Lord and faithfully attended church, teaching Sunday School, serving as a deacon and layman, occasionally filling in for pastors. In addition, he was a Gideon, winning others for Jesus Christ through scripture distribution and obediently participated in prison ministry. He attended church at Coker’s Chapel and was a proud and grateful member of the congregation

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Faye Skelton; children, Kent Skelton (Fonda), Kim Skelton Smith (Stephen), Stacy Laird Coate (Dennis), and Rush Laird (Andrea); beloved grandchildren, Josh Skelton, Taylor Skelton, Lauren Skelton (Jacob), Kayleigh Henegar (Dillan), Tyler Smith (Haley), Bruce Laird (Holly), Lance Laird (Paula), Kyle Laird (Ashley), Bailey Middleton (Austin), Lindsey Foley (Josh), Caleb Neal (Madeline), Drew Coate, and Chase Coate; nine precious great-grandchildren with one arriving any day; siblings, Danny Skelton (Diane), Nola Blackwell, Joy McClure and sister-in-law, Kathy Skelton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, John and Louise Skelton; son, Brett Laird; and brother, Jack Skelton.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to Gideon’s International or Cokers Chapel Church.

The Skelton family would like to thank the staff at Gentiva Hospice and Marion Health and Rehab for their professionalism and genuine care given to Gramps.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

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