Stanford Walter Skelton - the son of Van Joseph - Sophie Agnes
Alaskan Plane Collision Kills Former Area Resident, Son
Four Anchorage, Alaska men died March 16, 1968 in a mid-air collision between two light planes above Kalgin Island in Cook Inlet, about 100 miles SW of Anchorage.
Two victims of the air disaster have been identified as Stanford W. Skelton, 49, 4824 E. 20th Ave.,Anchorage, an outfitter and guide, and his son, Richard V. Skelton, 27, 4225 Spenard Rd., Anchorage.
The Skeltons had at first planned to fly in search for Mason LaLelle and two other Palmer fliers,missing since Feb 27, but apparently changed their plans and flew to the Kenai region for clams. Kalgin Island near Polly Creek, a popular clam digging area, is heavily frequented by air traffic when tidal and weather conditions make clamming possible. There were reports form the accident scene that one of the planes was taking off, the other attempting to land, when the collision occurred.
Richard V. Skelton was born Aug. 25, 1940 in Great Falls. Will PM wife plus family
Sandford Skelton was born July 7, 1918, in Stanford, MT. Will PM his wife's details
His mother and twin brother and sister, Donald and Donna, flew to Anchorage on Sunday to attend the military funeral held Tuesday after noon. Both men were veterans.