Gary R. Skubic

Age 74 of Diamond, Illinois died peacefully on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born June 20, 1950 in Joliet, Illinois, Gary Raymond was a son of Raymond John and Helen (Girot) Skubic. He was raised in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1968.

On April 16, 1969, Gary was inducted into the United States Army where he went on to honorably serve in Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star and was discharged on March 23, 1971. Later that same year on July 17th, Gary married Jean Hanley in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City and together the two made a home and raised their two sons.

Gary gained employment with Mobil Oil in 1972 and made his career there for the following 34 years. Shortly following his retirement he returned to Exxon Mobil as a Consultant and worked another 5 years from 2007 until 2012.

He was a member of the Wilmington VFW Post #5422, where he was active with their Memorial Squad; he coached little league baseball when the boys were young and served on the board at the Outdoor Area #1 Club. In 2022, Gary was honored and found solace to his time in the service as he participated in the August Honor Flight; an experience he held dear.

In his free time, Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing and gardening. He found enjoyment in watching the birds and was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan. In year past he bowled on a Wednesday night league, and his love of country was shown in his dedication to honoring veterans alongside his fellow honor guard members.

Remembered as a quiet man who kept to himself, Gary was known to be stubborn and do things his way. His family was his first priority and nothing gave him more joy than to see his family grow to include grandchildren and a great granddaughter. He as highly intelligent guy who was always a hardworker, Gary leaves behind a legacy of a perfectionist whose greatest titles were husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Jean; two sons and daughters-in-law: Craig and Carrie Skubic of Coal City and Curt and Amy Skubic of Diamond; grandchildren: Jared Skubic, Olivia Skubic, Connor Skubic and Creide Skubic; one great granddaughter, Audrey; his mom of 42 years, Joanne Skubic; four brothers: Ron Skubic of North Carolina, Mark (Lynette) Skubic of Minnesota, Norm (Sue) Shambaugh of Aurora and Chris (Bill) Gulburgh of Kirkwood, Illinois; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Judy (Richard) George of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Cathy (Jim) Hutchings and Tim (Jodi) Hanley, both of Coal City, Mike (Sharon) Hanley of Loveland, Colorado, Jane (James) Calcaterra of Sugar Grove, Illinois, Ruth Ann (Dan) Mulhall of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Albert Hanley of Minocqua, Wisconsin, Patty (Terry) O'Bert of Morris, Janet (John) Peters and David Hanley, both of Coal City, Jeff (Nancy) Hanley of Minooka, Illinois, Tom (Rhona) Hanley, John Lissy and Gail Hanley, all of Coal City, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Helen Skubic; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Joseph and Ruth Hanley; granddaughter Casi Skubic, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Reid Skubic, Kris Skubic, Jane Skubic, Suzanne Lissy, Jim Hanley, Joe Hanley and Bill Hanley.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City on Thursday, July 25, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. until time of family remembrance at 12:30 p.m. Inurnment with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Gary’s memory to the Wilmington VFW Memorial Squad or to Lightways Hospice.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Gary’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)