Jack Wesley "Skip" Master, 82, of Dutch Hill in Perry Township, Clarion County, died Wednesday evening at his home after a long illness.

He was born in St. Petersburg, Clarion County, on Jan. 23, 1923.

Mr. Master was affiliated with the Park Hill Church of God in West Freedom.

He was a heavy equipment operator most of his adult life, worked at Allison Engineering and the Murphy Coal Co., and retired from the C. & K. Coal Co. of Clarion County in 1985.

An Army veteran of World War II, he was honorably discharged Nov. 10, 1945, with the rank of staff sergeant and was awarded the American Theater Service Award, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. He also was called to duty in the Korean War and served with Army 101st Airborne.

He was a member of the VFW and American Legion posts in Parker. He was well known for his skills in gardening and sharing his produce with family and friends. He also was skilled with competition match rifles, was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting in all seasons. He was a life member of the A.C. Valley Sportsmen's Club, near Parker.

Surviving are his wife, Geraldine McCoy Master, whom he married July 20, 1942; a daughter, Penny Larkin and her fiancé, Will Symonds, of Dutch Hill; two sons, Wiley Jack Master and his wife, Sandy, of Chicora and Rocky J. Master and his wife, Margie, of Dutch Hill; and five grandchildren. Two brothers, Marvin Dean Goughler of Knox and William Bruce Goughler of Emlenton; and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

MASTER - Friends of Jack Wesley "Skip" Master, who died Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at H. JACK BUZARD FUNERAL HOME, Wayne St., Parker. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dutch Hill.Members of the Parker VFW and American Legion posts will hold a graveside veteran service at Dutch Hill following the funeral service.