Robert C. "Bob" Skaggs

ROBERT C. "BOB" SKAGGS "The Blue Bunny Man" Robert Clenton Skaggs Jr., a cherished husband and father whose infectious enthusiasm as "The Blue Bunny Man" took him across the country to promote Wells Blue Bunny Ice Cream, died in an auto accident June 4, 2005 in Hudspeth County, Texas. He was 54. Born on March 30, 1951, Bob grew up in Phoenix and graduated from Cortez High School in 1969. He married Debbie Batsell Skaggs on Jan. 5, 1974. He attended Arizona State University for three years and went on to work for Garrett Allied Signal Aerospace for 13 years. He and his family moved to Texas in 1991, briefly living in Nacogdoches before settling in Van Alstyne in 1992. Bob began working as a Blue Bunny sales rep in 1994 and soon found the job he was born to do. As the company's special events coordinator, he traveled to grand openings at Wal-Mart Supercenters from Texas to Florida to Washington state, entertaining employees and shoppers with his singing, comedy performances, and unmatched passion for the product. As his reputation grew nationally, stores would buzz with anticipation when "The Blue Bunny Man" was scheduled to make a visit. He recently was promoted to assistant retail operations manager. Friendly, energetic, and equipped with a lively sense of humor, Bob had a knack for lightening the moment and making people feel unique and special. He never met a stranger, and always stepped up to help whenever his family and friends were in need. What delighted him most were his four children and their many accomplishments. A natural performer, Bob sang at numerous Texas opry houses and recorded a country album, "The Crack of Dawn." His military tribute song, "All Our Soldiers are Heroes," was especially popular among veterans, and he was invited to perform at the annual convention of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Bob took part in charitable events benefiting the Children's Miracle Network, the Special Olympics and the Salvation Army of Sherman, Texas. He also was a Master Mason of Glendale Lodge No. 23. Survivors include Debbie, his wife of 31 years; his father, Robert Skaggs Sr., and stepmother, Carol Skaggs, both of Prescott; his mother-in-law, Mary Lavonne Batsell of Phoenix; his sister, Roberta Carrillo, and husband Rey, both of Surprise; his sister, Rhonda Black, of Peoria; his daughter, Wendy Vellotti, and husband Chris, both of Sherman, Texas; his son, Charlie Skaggs, and wife Tiffany, both of Southmayd, Texas; his son, Jamie Skaggs, of Van Alstyne; his daughter, Stacey Skaggs, of Van Alstyne; and one grandson, Alex Vellotti. He was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Skaggs. A wake was held Wednesday evening at Flesher Funeral Home in Van Alstyne. Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2005 at the Van Alstyne High School football field, followed by burial at Van Alstyne Cemetery and a reception at Van Alstyne Middle School. Graveside services will be performed by Mantua Lodge No. 209 of Van Alstyne. Pallbearers will be Charlie Skaggs, Jamie Skaggs, Chris Vellotti, Donnie Sewell, Creighton Olson, Eddie Hitt, Kenny Skaggs, Daniel Hogan, Mickey Batsell, Gary Batsell and Dave Richards. In lieu of flowers, the Blue Bunny Man Scholarship Fund has been established in Bob's memory at Independent Bank of Van Alstyne, (903) 482-0055.

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