Long-time Washington County Republican leader and County Chairman Harvey Skinner passed away on Novermber 20th. Harvey was active in the Washington County Republican Party since moving to Brenham in 1992, and served as prencinct chairman, headquarters chairman, vice chairman and as a delegate to numerous county and state conventions. He was elected as a delegate to the national Republican convention held in New York City in 2004, and named as a Volunteer of the Year in Senate District 18.

In a December 2009 interview with the Brenham Banner, Harvey spoke passionately about his involvement in the Republican Party by stating – "We have a strong Republican party that adheres to conservative values and we intend to maintain those principles (…) The Republican Party is alive and well in Texas. Our need is to keep the party, just as President Reagan said – 'A shining city on the hill.'"

RPT Chairman Steve Munisteri said, "I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Harvey Skinner. It has been a personal privilege to meet and work with him over the past two years. Not only was he a valued Republican leader in Central Texas, but he was a true patriot, and a fine gentleman with a keen mind and wit. Just last year during the primary cycle, Harvey and Madeline invited me to their home in Brenham and we spent several delightful hours visiting and talking about the future of the Texas GOP. On behalf of the Republican Party of Texas, we wish our sincerest condolences to his wife, Madeline and the entire Skinner family. He will be missed by many."

Born April 18, 1926 in Mansfield, MO to Archie Lafayette and Bertha Marie Wylder Skinner, Harvey was baptized in the Jordan River in Israel. On May 18, 1964, he married Madeline Carol Wells. He retired as CEO with SCS, Inc., also serving as CEO of Unicore. A true patriot who truly loved his country, Harvey served proudly in the Navy during WWII. As a former Rotarian in Houston, he also served in the Brenham Blue Blazers, and was a board member of the Central Texas Museum, also serving as Docent of the Brenham Heritage Museum. A staunch Republican, he served as chairman of the Washington County Republican Party.

Funeral services are scheduled for 6 p.m., Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Brenham Church of Christ, with Pastor Doug Hall officiating. Burial will take place at 9:30 a.m., Monday, November 28, 2011 at the Veterans National Cemetery in Houston. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday evening at Memorial Oaks Chapel in Brenham.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Brenham Church of Christ. To see the official obituary or post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.