Archie Wallace Skidmore

The Skidmore family mourns the loss of their beloved patriarch, Archie Wallace Skidmore, who passed away on October 2, 2025, at the age of 98 after a recent illness.

Born on October 6, 1926, in Tioga, West Virginia, Archie was the eldest son of Cecil A. and Opal A. (Cutlip) Skidmore. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert D. Skidmore.

Archie’s early education was interrupted by service to his country. He entered the Maritime Service and later the U.S. Army Civil Engineers, receiving an honorable discharge in 1947. He returned to complete his studies, graduating from Springfield High School in 1948 before attending Kent State University and ultimately graduating from Akron Law School in 1954.

While attending law school, Archie worked diligently as a title examiner at Summit Title Company and Lawyer’s Title, and later overseeing the loan department at Evans Savings and Loan. In that role, he earned a reputation for fairness and compassion, often helping borrowers facing financial hardship to keep their homes by modifying or extending loan terms rather than foreclosing. He also shared his knowledge as an instructor of commercial law at the American Institute of Banking.

In 1955, Archie began practicing law as a sole practitioner. By 1971, he had become a partner at Schwab, Sager, Grosenbaugh, Rothal, Fort, Skidmore & Nukes, Inc. Then, in 1976, he fulfilled a vision by founding what is now Skidmore & Associates, where his legacy continues. His two eldest sons, Brian and Eric, joined the firm in 1986 and 1989, while his youngest son, Thomas, entered private practice in 1988. His wife, Kathleen, inspired and encouraged by Archie, achieved her own dream of becoming a corporate attorney in 1995.

Over seven decades, Archie distinguished himself as a reputable trial and commercial law attorney, litigating complex, high-profile cases with unwavering ethical standards and devotion to his clients. Known for his integrity, he was admired not only for his professional skill but for his deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of lawyers. He often referred simpler cases and transactions to younger attorneys—giving them both the opportunity to gain experience and the means to support their families—and then guided them through each step with patience, wisdom, and care. In recognition of his lifelong service, the Akron Bar Association honored him in 2020 with the Professionalism Award, celebrating his integrity, dedication, and humanitarian concern for the community.

Beyond the courtroom, Archie was a man of deep compassion and simple joys. Archie was an avid reader. He loved animals—raising rabbits, dogs, and ducks—and enjoyed horseback riding, tending to the family farm, and traveling with Kathleen to Sanibel, Florida.

Archie is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Kuhlman, his devoted sons Brian (Ellie Heijnen), Eric (Nancy Tassiello), and Thomas (Kelly Ashe); and his cherished grandchildren Eric, Sarah, Kyle, Jack, and Lauren (Noah) Benza with a Benza on the way. He also leaves brothers-and-sister-in-law John (Patricia) Kuhlman, Charles Kuhlman, and Barbara Kuhlman and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends and family may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333 on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A private burial will take place at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery at a later date.

In keeping with Archie’s lifelong compassion and love of horses, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Victory Gallop, 1745 N. Hametown Rd., Akron, OH 44333, www.victorygallop.org, a therapeutic riding program serving children with physical and cognitive challenges—a cause that reflects Archie’s enduring empathy and gentle spirit!

Archie’s life was defined not only by his professional achievements but by his enduring commitment to others. He believed in listening, mentoring, and opening doors for those who came after him. It has been written: “A truly wise man is not one who climbs to the top alone, but one who turns and offers his hand to help the next traveler make the climb.”

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, OH 44333.