The Grandchildren of Lastie Paul Skinner hosted a centennial celebration in his honor on Saturday, Oct. 11, at five in the afternoon at the DeQuincy VFW. With over 200 people in attendance, Mr. Skinner was surrounded by a host of family, neighbors and friends.
The oldest of ten children, Lastie was born in Ville Platte on Oct. 9, 1925 to the late Layuse and Leona Skinner. Lastie officially turned 100 this past Thursday and celebrated with an intimate party at the home of his grandchildren, Stacie and David Williams.
Lastie was reared in Oberlin and married Doris Allen Skinner in 1943. Together, they raised nine children – Francis, Wilford (Joe), Calvin, Claiborne, Anna, Ray, Dorothy, Terry and Darrell. In 1951, they moved to DeQuincy, where Lastie purchased his own truck and worked in the pulpwood and logging industry for more than 35 years. After retiring at the age of 62, to keep busy, he started his own lawn service. Later in life, Lastie married Lula Mae Doucet and gained five bonus children.
Lastie still enjoys working and can recall his very first job where he earned fifty cents a day. He also enjoys spending time with his family, mowing his lawn and watching TV. He is a member of Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church and gives credit for his longevity to being kind to people and helping others.
Amongst numerous gifts, well wishes and expressions of love given during his celebration, Mr. Skinner was presented with a Proclamation from the City of DeQuincy’s Mayor Riley Smith by City
Councilwoman, Margaret Brown. He also received a Proclamation from the City of Lake Charles’ Mayor, Marshall Simien, Jr., where he resided for many years by his granddaughter, Rondalyn Skinner Davis. A tribute was given by Crystal Williams and Mr. Skinner was serenaded with his favorite song, “Lean on Me” and a special birthday song by his niece, Rita Guillory, and her family.
Lastie and the entire Skinner family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation for those who took part in the momentous occasion!
