Ernest "Ernie" William Skiles, Jr. of Steelville, Missouri, age 68 years, 6 months and 20 days, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Phelps Health in Rolla, Missouri.

Ernie was born in St. Louis on November 27, 1957 to Ernest William Skiles, Sr. and Mary Martinez Skiles. He was joined in marriage to Nancy Swift on June 26, 1982 in Norristown, PA. They were blessed with four children.

He graduated from Mizzou with a Bachelor's degree in business. Ernie was a financial advisor and partner at Midwest Wealth Management in the Chicagoland area for many years. After moving to Crawford County in 2019, he enjoyed working as a seasonal naturalist at Onondaga Cave State Park.

Ernie was an avid outdoorsman, a board member of the Upper Meramec Prescribed Burn Association, and a Missouri Master Naturalist in the Meramec Hills Chapter where he was the vice president. He was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Steelville.

He loved camping, visiting State and National Parks, fishing with friends, and playing golf. He was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. He enjoyed listening to classic rock and playing fantasy football. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, children, and his dogs, Jackson, Max and Gertie.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Nancy of Steelville, MO; his mother, Mary Skiles of St. Louis, MO; his three sons, Andrew of Denver, CO, Michael (Kimberly Grunde) and Christopher of Chicago, IL; his daughter, Lisa (Daniel LeMay) of West Chicago, IL. He is also survived by brothers-in-law John Swift and Robert (Maria) Swift; sisters-in-law Christine Swift and Kathleen (Al) Yates; and his many nieces and nephews. He touched the lives of many others throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest William Skiles, Sr.; brother, David C. Skiles; and sisters-in-law Diane (Bob) Trempe and Theresa (Henry) O'Hara.

A Celebration of Life was held from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Peaceful Bend Winery, Steelville, MO.

A Visitation was held from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM on Monday, June 29, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Steelville, MO.

A Celebration of Life Mass was held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 29, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Steelville, MO with Father Mark Smith officiating.

The Skiles Family was served at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.