Philip Daniel Skelton

Philip Daniel "Dan" Skelton, 78, of Conway, passed away, Monday, October 23, 2017. He was born November 21, 1938 in Conway to the late Jacob Yoes and Louise Nabholz Skelton. Dan was a member at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway. He worked for over 33 years as an English professor and Director of the Theatre Department at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. Dan earned a B.S.E. from Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA) in 1960, a M.A. from the University of Arkansas in 1969, and an Ed.D. from the University of Mississippi in 1979. Dan found theater while in college at ASTC and enjoyed acting while in school and later directing. He helped direct and produce well over 50 plays during his career and was an original member of the Conway Community Arts Association. As advisor for the yearbook at SAU, he discovered photography and was frequently snapping photos from the sidelines at games. His poetry has appeared in the Arkansas Democrat, the Log Cabin Democrat, Voices International, Hope Tracks, and Humanities in the South. He was the 1981 winner of the Sybl Nash Abrams competition; he published 8 novels. Dan is survived by his daughter, Dana Wade (Brian) of Conway, grandchildren, Sydney and Tanner Meyer both ofConway, sister, Marion Swift of Maumelle, brothers, David Skelton (Patricia) of Conway, and Walter Skelton (Martha) of Little Rock, a host of nieces, nephews,family, friends, and his faithful dog Yoda. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, James Skelton. Rosary will begin at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church Thursday, October 26, 2017 with visitation following. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 27, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway with Father Tony Roberts officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Mausoleum. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Staff at Salem Place Nursing Home in Conway. Online Guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.