Representative Edwin Walter Skinner View All Years

EDWIN WALTER SKINNER

Edwin Walter Skinner was born on February 9, 1936 in Des Moines, Iowa. Skinner graduated from Runnells Consolidated High School in 1954. He received his Bachelor of Science from Drake University in 1960; in 1963 he graduated from Drake University Law School. He married Lois J. Bumann of Ida Grove on July 8, 1962 and their union created three children.

Skinner worked as a lawyer in Altoona from 1963 until his death. He proudly served as City Attorney for the cities of Runnells, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, and Cumming. He was a member of the Polk County, Iowa State, and American Bar Associations as well as the Iowa Trial Lawyers Association and American Association for Justice. During his life he was a member of the Democratic State Central Committee, Altoona Lions Club, East Polk Rotary, Altoona Chamber of Commerce (which he assisted in the initial organization of), Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, King David Lodge, ZaGaZig Shrine, Scottish Rite and York Rite of Free Masonry. He also severed as the Treasurer for the State Democratic Party.

During his time as Representative he was instrumental in passing the City Home Rule. He also worked on the Bertrand Historical Site and the study for the formation of Living History Farms. In 1984, Skinner served as the chairperson for the organization which resulted in the construction of Prairie Meadows and served on the Board of Directors of the Racing Association of Central Iowa. He aided in the creation of two different scholarships with Southeast Polk High School and he served on the School District Board of Directors as did his grandmother, father and son.

Skinner was a Democrat from Polk County. He was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in the fall of 1968, serving for two terms. Throughout his time he served on several committees; Cities and Towns, County Government, Judiciary, Transportation, Rules and served as ranking member of Constitutional Amendments and Reapportionment for two years.

Representative Skinner passed away on January 12, 2015 at the age of 78.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF IOWA, That in the passing of the Honorable Edwin Walter Skinner, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the House by this Resolution would express its appreciation of his service.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

ZACH NUNN

RICK OLSON

DAN KELLEY

Committee