Rev. Donald "Don" Eugene Skaggs

April 27, 1926 - Feb. 4, 2011

Rev. Skaggs was born in East Selah, Wash., and spent his life throughout the Northwest. Hunting, fishing and the stewardship of God's creations were the passions of his youth.
His many vocations included lumberjack, janitor, carpenter, electrician, inventor, professional flytier and successful businessman, retiring from his carpet-cleaning business in Yakima, Wash., at age 64.
He served in the Sea-Bees in WWII, including campaigns in Okinawa and Philippines and post-war atomic tests at Bikini Atoll. He received a hardship discharge to return to his mother of failing health and to assume the primary support role for his family.
Don and his wife, Dorothy, dedicated themselves to serving God and raising children. All of their children are adopted or "hand-picked" as they like to say. Don took enormous pride in his legacy and began every family prayer with paraphrased verses from Psalm 127; "Children are like arrows in the hands of a mighty warrior, and blessed is he who has a full quiver."
As Don's mind began to cloud with the onset of his illness, his favorite possession was a large framed photo of nearly his entire family, (numbering over 70 descendants and spouses) taken at his 80th birthday party.
As head of the family, he strived to live the best example he could of patriarchal responsibility, personal honor, sacrifice and dedication to service of God.
He served as a spiritual leader, freelance pastor and "country preacher" for decades and was an ordained minister in the Full Gospel Holiness Church until the onset of his illness. He taught in innumerable churches, missions, homes and revival meetings, as well as performing dozens of weddings, river baptisms and dedications.
He taught himself guitar and was always ready to make a joyful noise unto The Lord. His personal philosophy centered around the scriptures and the principal that salvation comes only through acceptance of the work at The Cross as atonement for personal and spiritual failing.
"Rest In Jesus" was his slogan and creed.
Don went to his Heavenly Father from his home in Caldwell, surrounded by family after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease and brain injury.
He is preceded in death by his brother Denny; sisters, Zelma and Barbara, and step-sisters, Marge, Myra and Pat.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy (Clement); sisters, Lucille and Ivy of Christmas Valley, Ore.; step-sister, Sandy of Washington; sons, Daniel Skaggs of Parma, David Skaggs of Yakima, Wash., and Donavan Skaggs of Auburn, Wash.; daughters, DeLynda Stevens of Sandpoint, and Debbie LaVelle of Kennewick Wash; 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews, and innumerable foster children and legal wards.
Memorial arrangements are pending. A viewing will be held at Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel, 404 10th Ave. South, Nampa on Sunday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Please visit http://skaggs.us/Donald or call (206) 337-3368 for updates and more about Don's life.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Children's Home Society or the Melba Valley Worship Center.