SIKESTON, Mo. -- Stephen Skalsky, 46, of Columbia, Mo., died Friday, Sept. 20, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center, following an extended illness.

He was born Feb. 12, 1956, at Sikeston, son of Orville and Norma Jean Parker Skalsky.

Skalsky was a 1974 graduate of Sikeston High School, 1978 graduate of Drury College, and received a master's degree in social work from the University of Missouri in 1997.

He was employed by Missouri Division of Family Services, retiring because of ill health.

Survivors include his father and stepmother, Orville and Wanda Skalsky of Sikeston; and a sister, Gale Ancell of Sikeston.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Friends may call at First Church of the Nazarene after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The funeral will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. John Bouldrey officiating.

Ponder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.