John L. “Skip” Avery, 62, passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2012.
Funeral: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, in Biggers Funeral Chapel. Interment: 1:30 p.m. in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 14, at Biggers Funeral Home.
Skip was born in Fort Worth on April 11, 1950, and lived most of his life in Lake Worth.
He survived two hazardous tours during the Vietnam War in the 199th Light Infantry Brigade and 187th Crusaders Helicopter Air Reconnaissance Brigade as a helicopter door gunner.
He earned many decorations and commendations, including the Air Reconnaissance Medal for meritorious achievement in support of ground combat, the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Overseas Service Bars, a Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for honorable service and an honorable discharge as a corporal.
He took great pride in defending his country and never forgot those who fought next to him in combat.
Skip was preceded in death by his mother, Ercelle Firkins; father, James M. Avery; and brothers, Donald and James “Jim” Avery.
His niece, Teresa Pratho of Weatherford, was especially close and helpful to Skip during a a very difficult year since the passing Jan. 30, 2011, of Sharon Freeland, his companion of 14 years.
He is survived by his daughter, Christy Lynn Dayton; son, Daniel; his sisters, Gloria Teague and Nell Russell; his brother, David Avery; five grandchildren; numerous loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews; lifelong friend, Reggie LeGrand; and many other friends. He will be greatly missed.
