SKIDMORE, Olajuwon Dewayne (OJ)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 08/21/2015 Olajuwon Dewayne “OJ” Skidmore entered eternal rest Aug. 16, 2015, in East Fork. He was born Feb. 14, 1989, to Jennifer Holden and Ronnie Skidmore. OJ grew up in Mesa and later returned to the reservation so he could be closer to his family and friends. His hobbies were fishing, antler hunting, baking, cooking, listening to music, dancing, driving his orange truck and spending quality time with family and friends. He was talented in many ways, as an electrician, mechanic and handyman, always lending a helping hand to those that he loved and knew. OJ was a thankful person; he always knew the right words to say to cheer you up. He loved all his nephews, nieces, family and relatives. OJ touched many hearts and he will be greatly missed by us all. He is survived by his father, Ronnie Skidmore; mother Jennifer Holden; brothers Ryndell Byron Walker and Vernell Waylon Walker; sisters Jeanell Paddlety and Nina Shae Holden; companion Elaine Lupe; stepchildren Jericho Crocker, Jaylene Crocker and Lillian Lupe. He was preceded in death by Dewey and Cornelia Skidmore, Agnes and Samuel Holden, Annie George, Keno Holden, Winnifred Holden and Sammy Holden. A wake will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21, at 1653 S. Appaloosa Ave. 171, China Town. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at the same location. Interment will follow at Javalina Cemetery in Seven Mile. Silver Creek Mortuary of Whiteriver handled arrangements.