Harold "Gene" Skaggs

Harold "Gene" Skaggs, 82, of Springfield, passed away at 11:25 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2009 at Memorial Medical Center. Gene was born December 27, 1926 in Springfield. He married Phyllis Hensley on June 6, 1953 in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Peggy Rhoades, and half-brother, Huck Huckaby. Gene attended Feitshans High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during WWII. He retired from Fiat-Allis after thirty-eight years of employment and retired again after working for eight years at the State of Illinois. Gene had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger. He loved to golf and helped a lot of people in the Springfield community with their golf game. He belonged to the Fiat-Allis golf league and was a former member of the Elks and Eagles Clubs. He was a member of Woodside United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Skaggs; son, Steven L. Skaggs; daughter, Tami Skaggs-Braidwood (husband, Terry); granddaughter, Kelsie; and sister, Juanita Barnosky all of Springfield; several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends Barb and Tasha Denney. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Private family ceremonies will be held. A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at a later date with family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodside United Methodist Church, 3519 Sheffield Rd. Springfield, IL 62703.