Mark Edward Skiles

Mark Edward Skiles, age 70, of Trough View Road, Moorefield, WV, passed away Saturday afternoon, December 25, 2021 at the Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, VA. Born on September 24, 1951 in Waynesburg, PA, he was the son of the late Vernon David Skiles and Margaret Ethel Urban Skiles of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania.  Mark, a third - generation coal miner from SW Pennsylvania eventually worked his way to the southern coal fields of West Virginia, finishing out his career as Director Technical Support for the Mine Safety and Health Administration.  His heart was always with the miners, referring to them as “the salt of the earth”. Mark started as a laborer working his way through various jobs, then going back and forth between Safety and Operations.  Safety was his passion and if there was a situation or a mess, Mark was there at the forefront underground with his men.  Mine fires, mine rescues, roof falls, he was there.

Mark enjoyed the past decade living his life as he always hoped and believed one should. He loved the mountain home he shared with his wife, Kim, these past 8 years.  He was so happy and at peace in his soul to be back in West Virginia.  He would look out at the mountains and always say, “It’s so beautiful out, it makes your eyes hurt”.  Retired, Mark’s passion was being outside with the dogs, working around the house, cutting fire wood, hunting, going fishing, growing a garden, living on the land and close to God. Everything he needed he had here. He lived everyday doing what he loved and thanking God for this time.  Mark loved God, his family, and America. An avid history buff, especially early American history, well-read and versed on the Greatest Generation of WWII.  He was a gifted story teller and could make you laugh till you cried.

Surviving is his loving wife, of 35 years, Kim B Richardson Skiles; a son, M. David Skiles and daughter-in-law, Morgan Maravich of Chantilly, VA, a sister, Darlene Norris and one niece, Holly Riffle of Carmichaels, PA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with immediate family and close friends. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the West Virginia Hunters Helping the Hungry (https://wvdnr.gov/hunting/hunters-helping-the-hungry.  

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