August is somewhat of an overwhelming month for Ike Skelton.
His wife of 44 years, Susan Anding Skelton, died on Aug. 23, 2005. Four days earlier, on Aug. 19, she had celebrated her 69th birthday.
Congressman Skelton, who represents Missouri’s 4th Congressional District, was soft-spoken several weeks ago as he reflected on his past and the future before him.
“Today is her birthday,” Skelton said in almost a whisper on Aug. 19. “As you’d imagine, it was a great sense of loss. She was an absolutely remarkable and lovely lady.”
On Aug. 31, 2008, Skelton gave Patty Martin an engagement ring as Martin’s birthday present. Two years ago, he asked Martin to attend a White House ball, just as friends.
“Yes” wasn’t an immediate reply. She phoned him again several days later.
“She had to think about it,” Skelton says, laughing.
The relationship slowly progressed. Martin, a retired middle school counselor whose first husband died 12 years ago, had first met Skelton in 1973 when her late husband was an administrator at Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo.
Skelton and Martin married Saturday – Aug. 29 – with Congressman Emanuel Cleaver conducting the ceremony. The Rev. Ron Page, a former Methodist minister in Lexington, assisted the ceremony.
“It’s a new experience,” Skelton says of falling in love again after being married to Susan for 44 years. “It’s just wonderful to have a companion to share your life with.”
He’s looking forward to spending time with their grandchildren. Skelton, 77, has five grandchildren and Patty has 13. When asked if Susan would want him to remarry and be happy, Skelton’s response is simple.
“Yes. If you meet the right person, it’s a wonderful opportunity to share your lifetime together. Patty and I had happy marriages, and we get along very, very well.”
Skelton adds one more comment before hanging up.
“You didn’t ask me where I’m going on my honeymoon,” he says. “Lake of the Ozarks.”
And why?
“It’s in the 4th Congressional District,” he replies.
Of course. When asked of his specific honeymoon plans, Skelton laughs.
“A little boating.”
August is over, Congressman. Today is the beginning of a new month.
