Michael Christopher Skaggs

Michael (Mike) Christopher Skaggs, 75, of Mineola, TX, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, January 13, 2025. 

Mike was born on March 8, 1949, in Dallas, Texas, to Ralph and Dolores Skaggs.

He was the proud big brother to Shawn, Rick, Melanie, and Mark. Throughout their lives, the five siblings shared a strong bond, always prioritizing family, and always making time to come back together throughout the years.

Mike spent the majority of his formative years living in the Dallas area. He attended L.D. Bell High School where he was a proud member of the Blue Raider Marching Band, playing both the trumpet and french horn. After high school, Mike attended Christian College of the Southwest and played baseball for the American Legion. Following this, he proudly served our country in the Army Infantry 4th Division during the Vietnam War.

Mike became a father in 1975 when he welcomed his daughter, Jennifer Leslie, to the world. In 1982, he welcomed his son, Jeffrey Joseph, and in 1986, he welcomed his second daughter, Lindsay Michelle. Mike was a doting and adoring father who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his children and supporting them as they cheered on the sidelines and marched in the band.

On June 28, 2002, Mike married the love of his life, Susan. They spent 22 beautiful years together making memories, though their love spanned many decades more, as they met when teenagers. They enjoyed traveling together, watching and attending Texas Rangers games, playing Mexican Train dominoes with family and friends, volunteering with the Fallen Soldier Program, and attending events at their church. Together, they shared five children and 16 grandchildren.

Mike was an entrepreneur and dreamer at heart. While he spent many years in the medical technology industry, he always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit that continues to live on through his children and grandchildren. His Scottie Dog Coffee Company was near and dear to his heart. Mike enjoyed the simple joys of life, such as the peace of an early morning fishing trip on still water, sipping coffee throughout the day, tinkering around in his tool shed, and listening to talk radio. He enjoyed honoring those who served in the military through his involvement with American Legion, Post 182, and being a part of Bugles Across America, playing Taps for military funerals. 

Nothing was more important to Mike than his faith. He endured many medical struggles over the last decade of his life, and he faced each one with an unwavering conviction in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through every trial, he clung to the verse in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Mike was a devoted member of First Christian Church in Mineola, TX, where he served as an Elder and attended Sunday School and Tuesday morning bible studies. He also enjoyed Craig Lacy’s Men’s Bible studies on Saturday mornings. 

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Susan Skaggs; daughter, Jennifer Robinson and husband Luke; son, Jeff Skaggs and wife Deidre; daughter, Lindsay Jones and husband Kyle; stepson, James Hildebrand and partner Vanessa McKnight; stepdaughter, Michelle Agee and husband Jason; sister, Shawn Pettit and husband Warren; brother, Rick Skaggs and wife Penny; sister, Melanie Murray and husband Jon; and brother, Mark Skaggs and wife Cheryl.

He is also survived by grandchildren. Peyton Dunworth and wife Bri; Emma Dunworth; Cayden, Oliver, and Emily Skaggs; Kennedy, Austin, and Jack Jones; Keenan and Barrett Robinson; Whitney Rector; Laura Lockett and husband Ro; Jaidyn and Gavin Hildebrand; Evan Medina; and great-grandson Atlas “AJ” Dunworth. 

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Ralph Lee Skaggs; mother, Dolores Villanueva Skaggs; and granddaughter, Kyleigh Hildebrand.

Mike is leaving a legacy of unrelenting faith, admirable endurance in the face of adversity, and a love of family that will live on through those who loved him dearly. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” --2 Timothy 4:7

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, January 20, 2025 at First Christian Church in Mineola.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Mike to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Scottish Rites, or the Gary Sinise Foundation.