John Louis Skaggs

John Louis Skaggs passed away on Friday, June 27, 2014 in Hughson, CA. He was 87. John was born in Stratford, OK to parents Robert E. Lee and Elizabeth Nichols Skaggs. He was the middle child of 5 brothers and 2 sisters and was a proud Elder of the Chickasaw Nation. John moved to Oakland, CA in 1944 where he enlisted in the Navy and met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Walker. They were married on February 10, 1945 and enjoyed 69 plus years of marriage. After serving his country, John and Mary Ellen moved to Ceres, CA in 1946 where they started their family. John began work as a Journeyman Carpenter and quickly moved up to General Commercial Building Contractor.

His passion was creating things with his hands. Some of his most notable contributions were the Downey High Auditorium and Columbia Junior College and the overlook at Don Pedro Lake. He also enjoyed restoring Model T Fords and was a member of the Don Pedro Model T Club. John also, with the help of his friends and family, built a houseboat at his home that was considered to be the largest on Lake Don Pedro at the time. John and “Ellen” along with their family, spent summers and vacations on the lake from 1969 to 1985. He always welcomed everyone to spend time on their boat.

John is survived by his wife, Ellen and 3 children; Peggy (Thomas) Schulte, John (Janis) Skaggs and Pamela (Tony) Barro, 4 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 2 brothers Robert Skaggs and Kenneth Skaggs.

John will be missed, but never forgotten.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 7, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Lakewood Funeral Home Riverside Chapel in Hughson.