Ernest “Ernie” William Skiles Jr. of Steelville, Missouri was born in St. Louis on Nov. 27, 1957 to Ernest William Skiles Sr. and Mary Martinez Skiles and passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at age of 68 years, 6 months and 20 days
He married Nancy Swift on June 26, 1982 in Norristown, PA.
He graduated from Mizzou with a Bachelor’s degree in business. He was a financial advisor and partner at Midwest Wealth Management in the Chicagoland area for many years.
After moving to Crawford County in 2019, he worked as a seasonal naturalist at Onondaga Cave State Park.
Ernie was an outdoorsman, board member of the Upper Meramec Prescribed Burn Association and a Missouri Master Naturalist in the Meramec Hills Chapter where he was the vice president. He was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Steelville, Missouri.
He loved camping, visiting State and National Parks, fishing with friends and playing golf. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. He enjoyed listening to classic rock and playing fantasy football. He loved his dogs, Jackson, Max and Gertie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest William Skiles Sr.; brother, David C. Skiles; and sisters-in-law, Diane (Bob) Trempe and Theresa (Henry) O’Hara.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy of Steelville, Missouri; mother, Mary Skiles of St. Louis, Missouri; three sons, Andrew of Denver, Colorado, Michael (Kimberly Grunde) and Christopher of Chicago, Illinois; daughter, Lisa (Daniel LeMay) of West Chicago, Illinois; brothers-in-law, John Swift and Robert (Maria) Swift; sisters-in-law, Christine Swift and Kathleen (Al) Yates; other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life was held from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Peaceful Bend Winery in Steelville, Missouri.
Visitation was held from 9:30-10 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Steelville, Missouri.
Celebration of Life Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Steelville, Missouri with Father Mark Smith officiating.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
