Skeen, Larry L. ""Buzzy"

Passed: 2009-09-19

Age: 68

Source:

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 2009-09-19

Information:      Well-known trial attorney, Larry L. ""Buzzy"" Skeen, 68, of Charleston, died September 19, 2009.  He was born June 8, 1941, In Jackson County, a son of Oral J. Skeen, past state treasurer, and Rilla Landfried Skeen.  Larry is survived by his loving wife, Debra.  He is also survived by his two daughters, Heather Skeen and Erin Skeen Sterling and her husband, Warner Sterling, of Washington, D.C.  and his stepsons, Clifford L.. Sampson II and Benjamin J. Sampson of Charleston.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Odin and Talisker Sampson.  Larry also leaves a brother, Kennard; a nephew, Kennard L. Skeen II; and a niece, Kristen.  Larry graduated cum laude from West Virginia Univesity in 1963 and with honors from the West Virginia College of Law in 1966.  He also served as assistant attorney general for the State of West Virginia.  In 1970, Larry commenced private practice with his brother, Kennard.  Larry served as counsel for Farmers' Mutual Fire Association of West Virginia, Inc. and as an area trial and defense lawyer for the State Farm group of insurance companies for over 20 years.  Larry had a number of articles published on historical matters as well as domestic and international legal matters, including the chapter on oil and gas law, published as part of the West Virginia Lawyers Handbook.   He also wrote two books, the first entitled West Virginia Oil and Gas Law and the second being Oil and Gas Law Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia.   Internationally, Larry handled oil concession and contracting negotiations in the Peoples Republic of China. Larry also taught oil and gas law seminars.  During his professional life, he served as president of the Jackson County Development Authority, as district governor for the Board of Governors of the State Bar, as president of the West Virginia Law Institute, and as chairman of the Unlawful Committee and Mineral & Environmental Law Committee.   He also served on the Board of Governors of the Bar Foundation and as executive secretary and general counsel for the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia.  Larry was a member of Ripley Lodge 16 AF&AM.  He served in the West Virginia National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1967.  Larry loved to play golf, write poetry, and paint, and his lifelong passions were flying and celebrating his Scots heritage.  A private family gathering will be held at a later date.