Date of Birth: December 20, 1931
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: October 28, 2013
Biography
Isaac Newton “Ike” Skelton IV was an influential American politician who represented Missouri’s 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 2011. Born into a family with a rich history in public service, Ike was driven by a strong sense of duty and a commitment to defending his country’s values. He was a member of the Democratic Party and became known for his work on national defense, agriculture, and education. Skelton grew up in Lexington, Missouri, and earned a degree from Wentworth Military Academy before attending the University of Missouri, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree. His legal career began in private practice, but his passion for public service soon led him into politics. He initially served as a prosecuting attorney and then as a state senator before winning a seat in Congress. During his tenure in the House, Skelton became a prominent figure on the Armed Services Committee, eventually serving as its chairman from 2007 to 2011. He was a staunch advocate for the military, focusing on issues such as troop readiness, military family support, and veterans’ benefits. Ike Skelton’s legislative efforts were instrumental in shaping U.S. defense policy during his time in office.
5 Interesting Facts about Ike Skelton
1. Ike Skelton was a close friend of former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.
2. He played a significant role in the passage of the Goldwater-Nichols Act, which restructured the military command system.
3. Skelton was a strong advocate for ROTC programs and worked to expand them across American universities.
4. He received numerous awards and honors for his service, including the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
5. Skelton was known for his love of history and often quoted historical figures in his speeches.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ike Skelton
1. “Defense is not just about the military; it’s about the strength of our economy, our education system, and our moral leadership.”
2. “The men and women in uniform are the backbone of our national security.”
3. “We must always ensure that our troops have the resources they need to succeed.”
4. “Leadership in a democracy means understanding the needs and aspirations of the people you serve.”
5. “History teaches us that great nations rise and fall on the strength of their principles.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Ike Skelton’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Ike Skelton had three children: Ike Skelton V, James Skelton, and Page Skelton.
Relevant Links
1. [Ike Skelton – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ike_Skelton
4. [Profile on Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Ike_Skelton
