Jacob Allen Skelton's Obituary
Jacob Allen Skelton, age 44, passed away on December 18, 2025, in St. Louis, MO. He was born August 1, 1981, in Artesia, NM, to the late Bart Skelton and to Rebecca, nee Keil, Arrington.
Jacob grew up in Deming, NM and graduated from Deming High School in 1999 and then he attended college at WNMU and NMSU. Jacob had an amazing career in fiber optics that allowed him to travel the world. He was known for musical talent, guitar playing and songwriting, he played in several bands and was always willing to play for friends and anyone who wanted to play with him. In Jacob’s own words, "I’ve stood on Denali, sailed the Bering Sea in waters that should have been impossible, dived to touch the turtles in Oahu, got communications back up to Air Force One hanger in front of one of the last five star generals and lived it with pride. I’ve jammed with Grammy winners, made Senators laugh, and dated way out of my league… I’ve lived.”
Jacob is survived by, his mother, Rebecca Arrington ( Paul), of Clayton, NM, sisters, Susan Fitzsimmons, of Clayton, NM and Evan Ann Skelton, of Grand Prairie, Tx, uncles, David Keil (Bo) of Thailand and Jonathan Keil (Sheryl), of Lubbock, TX, niece, Isabell Fitzsimmons, cousin Brooke Keil and his life partner, Jessica Morris, of Raton, NM. Also, his life long friend, Stephen Porter and many other family and friends.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charles "Skeeter" and Sally Skelton and maternal grandparents, Dr. Armin and Lois Keil.
A celebration of life service will be scheduled at a later date.
For more information, please access our website, https://www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
What’s your fondest memory of Jacob?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jacob?
Share a story where Jacob's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jacob you’ll never forget.
How did Jacob make you smile?