Skeen, Orel J./State Treasurer

Passed: 1984-10-17

Age: 72

Source: Charleston Daily Mail

Death Notice: 1984-10-19

Obituary Date:

Information: OREL J. SKEEN EX-TREASURER, DIES AT AGE 72 by: Jack Deutsch of the Daily Mail Staff -  Former state Treasurer Orel Joshua Skeen, who lost a 1960 gubernatorial primary race to W. W. Barron, died Tuesday in Jackson General Hospital, Ripley, of an apparent heart attack.  He was 72. Skeen was elected treasurer in 1956 and began a campaign for governor in 1960. A week before the May primary, he released what he claimed was a recording by a hidden microphone of Barron offering him a $65,000 bribe to get out of the race. Skeen lost the race and said later that the allegation hurt his political career.  Barron was elected governor and later went to prison after one of the largest corruption scandals in state history.  Skeen taught school in a one-room school for four years in Jackson County after he received a teaching certificate from Salem College.  He then worked as a guard at the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville where he was named warden in 1947 by Gov. Clarence Meadows.  During his nine years as warden, the worst riot in the prison's history occurred.  Nearly 1,300 prisoners took over the penitentiary yard in 1951, objecting to the inadequate parole system.  Skeen later helped get the parole laws changed to meet the objections.  He resigned his job as warden in 1956 and ran for treasurer, easily winning the nomination against four Democratic opponents.  In the general election, he piled up the biggest majority of any Democrat running for statewide office.  After his defeat in the governor's race, Skeen ran again for treasurer in 1964 and secretary of state in 1968 and lost both races in the Democratic primaries.  In later years, Skeen worked for the Department of Corrections and the Welfare Department.  Upon his retirement after 28 years in state government, Skeen said, ""I'm going to sit on the courthouse steps at Ripley and dispense tobacco juice and wisdom.  And I have lots of things to do.  There are two grandchildren to play with; I like to garden and raise flowers, hunt and fish.  I'll be busy"".  He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, Ripley, and the Golden Rule Sunday School Class.  He was a veteran of World War II.  He was a 32nd Degree Shriner with the Beni Kedem Temple in Charleston.  He was a member of the Ripley AF & AM No. 16 and the American Legion.  He was on the board of directors of Jackson General Hospital, was a member of the Jackson Airport Authority, past president of the American Wardens Association and the Probation and Parole Board.  Surviving:  wife, Rilla Landfried Skeen; sons, Kennad of Ripley, Larry of Ravenswood; four grandchildren.  Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Epworth United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Ronald Brooks officiating.  Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Ripley.  Friends may call from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ripley, and one hour prior to service at the church.