Paige Skaggs Jr.

Paige Skaggs Jr., known by many as "Chief," and by his grandchildren as "Boo," passed away peacefully in Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, WV on September 12, 2025, at the age of 88. A lifelong resident of Ansted, West Virginia, Paige lived a life defined by service, skill, and devotion to his family and community.
Born on August 5, 1937, Paige was a member of the Air National Guard and earned his accounting degree from West Virginia Institute of Technology. His professional career was marked by leadership, serving as Deputy Commissioner of Finance for what is now, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources in Charleston. He later became the department Area Administrator of Fayette County, where he worked until his retirement.
Paige was deeply committed to his community. He was a member of the Lions Club and served as Chief of the Ansted Volunteer Fire Department from 1986 to 2002. Even after stepping down from that role, he continued to strongly support the department and local first responders.
Though known for his sharp mind and skill with numbers, Paige was equally gifted with his hands. He could do carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and operate heavy machinery. He believed in hard work, self-reliance, and standing firmly by his principles.
For many years, Paige and his family were active members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Ansted. He had a dry sense of humor, a love for the ocean, a fondness for sports cars, and a passion for home and town projects. Above all, he loved his family.
Paige was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lois Ann Zickafoose Skaggs, who passed in 2020. He is survived by his daughter, Robin Looney, and her husband Brett of Huntington, WV, and their children, Paige Looney of Richmond, VA, and Garrett Looney of Huntington, WV. He is also survived by his son, Dr. Christopher Skaggs, and his spouse Dina Criniti of Charleston, WV, and his daughters, Gabrielle Skaggs Miller and her husband Colin of Bentonville, AR, and Morgan Skaggs of Washington, DC. Additionally, Paige is survived by his sister-in-law Lynn Zickafoose Hendrick and her husband Steve, as well as their daughter Stephanie Hendrick Burgess, her husband Kevin, and their three children-Braeden, Ryen, and Greyson-all of Tallahassee, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ansted Fire Department or Hubbard House (Hospice) in Charleston, WV.
Fireman's Memorial Service will be held 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Wallace & Wallace Chapel, Ansted with Pastor Herman Jones officiating. Friends may call from 12:00 until time of service.