Bernard Delano Skeeters served in the U.S. Army for 5 years and 11 months. Bernard served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Trooper Bernard Skeeters was killed when his patrol car was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer on I-55. Working a safety detail at about 9:00 a.m., Trooper Skeeters was patrolling southbound on I-55 behind an Illinois Department of Transportation paint truck. A semi-trailer truck driver, having fallen asleep behind the wheel, slammed into Trooper Skeeters' squad car. Trooper Skeeters' squad car was forced into the IDOT paint truck which was carrying flammable paints and thinners. Both the squad car and paint truck exploded and were engulfed in flames. The three-vehicle accident instantly killed Trooper Skeeters. The drivers of both the IDOT truck and the semi-trailer survived the accident. The semi-trailer driver was charged with reckless homicide. However, a jury could not reach a unanimous decision to convict him. Trooper Bernard Skeeters was a U.S Army veteran of the Vietnam war who served with the Illinois State Police for 12 years and was assigned to District 9 in Springfield.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Bernard. Claim this record.
In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Trooper Skeeters gave the Illinois State Police 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Illinois, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Add your own tribute to Bernard.
Leave a Tribute