Aaron Skiles

Aaron Raymond Skiles was born on January 24, 1983 in Fort Lewis, Washington to Valerie Skiles. He grew up in Stayton, Oregon and attended Stayton High School, graduating in 2001. After graduating from high school, Aaron felt called to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. His military career would take him all over, living at Camp Casey in Korea, Fort Stewart in Georgia, Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, Fort Lee in Virginia, Joint Base Lewis McCord in Washington, Fort Bliss in Texas, and most recently Fort Drum in New York. From 2007-2009 Aaron would deploy to Iraq serving almost 15 months in country. Not only would Aaron live and experience places all over the world and across the country, he would meet many other soldiers that were not only his colleagues but became his brothers. Aaron worked incredibly hard through his military career that spanned 17 years and most recently he was promoted to CW2. Aaron would be garnered with many awards for his bravery, hard work and service to his country including, 3 Army Commendation medals, 4 Army Achievement Medals, 3 Army Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbons, Certificate of Achievement and Army Driver and Mechanic Badge. Besides work, Aaron would eventually find love with Kendreah D. Bodman. They would marry on April 19, 2014 in Olympia, Washington. Together, they would be blessed with two children, Avery Kaelin Skiles and Deklan Ronin Skiles. When Aaron was not busy serving his country or spending time with his family, you could be sure he would try and watch his Oregon Ducks. He was their biggest fan for sure. This was often shown by his greeting or goodbye, “Go Ducks”!  Aaron also enjoyed cooking and grilling; plus he liked his food spicy! On November 22, 2019 in New York, Aaron passed away suddenly at age 36. Aaron will be remembered as being a loving son, brother, husband and father. He was preceded in death by his mother, Valerie Skiles and grandfather, Raymond Skiles. He is survived by his loving wife, Kendreah D. Skiles; children, Avery Kaelin Skiles and Deklan Ronin Skiles; siblings, Rachel Anne Glick and Sean Michael Veneman; grandmother, Lois Skiles in addition to many co-workers, friends and extended family. A Memorial Service will be held on December 6, 2019 at 12:00 PM at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon with a reception and time for fellowship to follow.