Stephen L. Skeates

Stephen L. Skeates

Steve left us on March 30, 2023.   He is survived by his daughter Melissa Janidlo (Patrick); grandchildren Michael, Samuel and Charlotte Janidlo; sister Susan Skeates Johnson and brother Gregory Skeates; niece Amanda Johnson; nephew Cory Skeates and his family; as well as several cousins and many friends including his best friend, Helen Cole.

Steve was a comic book creator, story writer and artist.  He started his comic writing career in 1965 after a short stint as Stan Lee’s assistant in the early days of Marvel.  He went on to work for major comic publishing houses including: Marvel, DC, Tower, Charlton, Gold Key, Red Circle, Archie, and Warren Publishing. 

Steve wrote many comics in his long career including Aquaman, Hawk and Dove, T.H.U.N.D.E.R Agents, Plastic Man, Spider Ham and Plop!  He also co-wrote episodes of TV series including Titans, Transformers and Jem.

He was awarded 3 Shazam Awards: Best Humor Story 1972 for "The Poster Plague" (from House of Mystery #202), Best Writer (Humor Division) 1973 and Best Humor Story 1973 for "The Gourmet", Plop! #1.  He also received Warren Awards in 1972 and 1973. In July 2012, Steve received the Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing.

There will be no visitation or formal service.  We are sure Steve would be delighted if you honored him by reading a comic book (even if he didn’t write it), writing a story yourself, or by drawing something (anything).

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