Fearn Frank Skaggs

© Enid News & Eagle

7-7-11

Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

ENID — Service for Fearn Frank Skaggs, who went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, July 5, 2011, will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 8, 2011, at Lamont Methodist Church. Graveside service will follow in Lamont Cemetery. A viewing and visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at Wilson Funeral Home, Pond Creek. Military rites by Vance Air Force Base Honor Guard Silver Talon.

Frank was born four miles south of Nash, Okla., on Jan. 10, 1924, and served his Lord, his family, his community and his country.

He graduated from Nash High School, where he was a Salt Fork Valley All-Conference football player (to be followed later by his sons and grandsons, who were all-district football players).

He attended Oklahoma A&M, then enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He served as the navigator on the Squadron Commander’s PV-1 Bomber in the Philippines and Midway Island. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Navy Air Medal. He was headed stateside to attend pilot school when the war ended and he was discharged. After his discharge he began farming one mile east of Lamont.

Frank married Billie Mae Meredith June 1, 1947. They just celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.

Frank was well respected, very active in serving his community. He was a 60-year member of Lamont American Legion Post, active member of Lamont Lions Club, a 32nd Degree Mason and past W.M. of Lamont Masonic Lodge. Frank served on the boards of Lamont Public Schools, R&C Water Corp., Grant County Conservation District and Lamont Housing Authority. He sponsored MYF and DeMolay.

Frank was a successful cattle, sheep and wheat farmer. Frank received in 1978 the Banker’s Award and in 2008 the Pioneer Award from Grant County Conservation District. Before Frank’s retirement from farming in October 2010, he became a father figure to numerous young men that worked for him.

He was a 64-year member of Lamont Methodist Church. During his membership, he served many leadership positions and was active in Men’s Fellowship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fearn and Leona (Hughes) Skaggs; brother, D.D. Skaggs; and an infant grandson, Ryan Carter Skaggs.

He is survived by his wife, Billie of The Commons, Enid, Okla.; sons, Dennis and wife Susie Skaggs of Enid and Lyndal and wife Maxie Skaggs of Lamont; nine grandchildren, Lara Skaggs, Stillwater, Amy (Dustin) Birchfield, Enid, Jason (Amy) Skaggs, Enid, Shawnda (Jim) Davis, Melissa, Texas, Amber (Jason) Proctor, Perry, Okla., Ryan (Krissy) Skaggs, Lamont, Todd Skaggs, Fort Worth, Texas, Brian Devoll (Amanda) Enid, Sarah Devoll Christensen (Brent), Beaufort, S.C.; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Lamont United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, in lieu of flowers.

(Submitted by family)