Charles Keith Skillern, 68, of Mt. Sterling, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, surrounded by family.
Born Nov. 11, 1957, he was the son of Martha Jane Skillern and the late Charles Leo Skillern. He graduated from Rowan County High School and Morehead State University. Also known as “Big Red” and “Grandaddy,” he was an honest, hardworking and giving man. He spent many productive years as a skilled professional and respected business owner in the construction industry. As owner of DW Construction Services and Simple Steel Structures, his craftsmanship and work ethic left a lasting impact on his community and colleagues. Outside of his career, he was a devoted family man who cherished spending time with those he loved. He loved to share in conversations that he was “blessed by the best” as we all were, to have known and loved him. He never stopped dreaming and planning, from organizing his next building project, fishing or traveling out west for hunting, continuing his home renovations or proudly showing up to support his grandchildren as their doting grandaddy. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his mother survivors include his wife, Karen Spratt Skillern; daughters, Ashlee Skillern and Lauren Rusher (Nathan); son, Tayler Nixon (Courtney); grandchildren, Madelyn, Marlowe, Colt and Sawyer; brother, Kevin Skillern (Amber); sister, Angela Strickland (John); and many beloved family and friends.
Service was conducted Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Taul Funeral Home.
