Mr. Paul R. Skidmore, 78, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Born in 1947 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Paul was the son of the late Mahlon and Edna Skidmore. He was a proud graduate of Columbia High School and went on to earn college degrees from Wofford College and Converse University which reflected his lifelong love of learning.
Paul faithfully served his country through the U.S. Army Reserves and the National Guard. He later built a long and respected career as an insurance claims adjuster, a profession in which he dedicated more than three decades to helping others through life’s challenges.
A man of deep faith, Paul was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Waynesboro and was an enthusiastic member of the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library discussion group Socrates Cafe. He had a rich appreciation for music—especially classical and bluegrass—and found great joy attending concerts and festivals. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hiking, backpacking, and being immersed in the beauty of the natural world. Above all, he cherished time with his family and the beloved cats who were always part of his home.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife of more than fifty-one years, Kathleen. He is also lovingly remembered by his three children, Matthew, Claire, and Maureen; his sister, Ann; and his nephew, Brian.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Andrew Catholic Church (12 N. Broad St., Waynesboro, PA). Burial will follow that afternoon at 2:30 P.M. in Evergreen Memorial Gardens (2800 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg, MD). Friends and family are welcome to attend the services and gather in remembrance.
The family will receive friends for the hour prior to the services Friday morning at St. Andrew.
In lieu of flowers and reflecting Paul’s lifelong love of animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Washington County, 13011 Maugansville Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740 or at www.hswcmd.org.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, PA is handling the arrangements.
