Dennis Lee Skaggs

Dennis attended Rancho Village, U.S. Grant High School, and graduated from Tulsa Nathan Hale in 1965. He continued his education at Oklahoma Baptist University and the University of Central Oklahoma. He also served his country with honor in the United States Army and the Air Force National Guard of Norman, Oklahoma, serving from October 6, 1966 to October 20, 1971 as SGT Dennis L. Skaggs with the 145th Aviation Company.

Dennis devoted nearly 60 years to the trucking industry, working within family-owned companies such as Explosive Carriers and Little Dixie Express. After relocating to Texas, he worked for Levinge Freight Lines in Willis, Texas for many years, and later for Pinch Transport. He valued the work itself and the people it connected him to, and he was known as a dependable and valued member of the teams he served. Dennis continued working until illness in December 2025 forced his retirement—an unwelcome change for someone who took genuine pride in showing up, doing the job well, and building lasting professional relationships.

On May 4, 1968, Dennis married Beverly Ann Catlege, and they shared 21 years of marriage. He was the proud father of Dennis Brian Skaggs and Matthew Ryan Skaggs. During his sons’ childhoods, Dennis gave his time generously as a little league coach, finding real joy in coaching and in being present for their games and activities. In quiet, practical ways, he also looked out for children who needed help with fees or equipment, stepping in without hesitation when support was needed.

Dennis loved golf with a true passion—playing whenever he could and enjoying the game even from the television. He also returned to fishing for a time, at least until, as he put it, the fish stopped biting. Those who knew Dennis will remember a man with a sharp wit, a gift for dry humor, and a presence that could lighten a room. He was also unmistakably strong-willed, and those closest to him loved him fully, including every stubborn, head-strong part of who he was.

Dennis especially cherished staying connected with his family. He looked forward to calls and texts from his sons, Brian and Matt, and took great pride in the lives and activities of his grandchildren. Brian shared Jhett’s golf score card with him, and they would talk through the round hole by hole, along with updates on Merit’s activities and work. Matt kept him close to Claira’s softball games, Gracelyn’s volleyball games, and Canon’s baseball games—news Dennis received with deep love and interest.

Dennis was passionate about being an organ donor and proudly supported Life Share of Oklahoma.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Luke Farrell (Jr.) Skaggs and Norma Lee Phy Skaggs; grandparents, Luke Farrell Skaggs II and Goldie Williams Skaggs; maternal grandparents, Travis Phy and Leatrice Phy; Uncle Jim Cable and Aunt Letaza Cable; father-in-law, Darrel Catlege and mother-in-law Dorothy Catlege; and brother-in-law Ronald Catlege.

Dennis is survived by son Brian and wife Audra Skaggs of Lexington, Oklahoma and their children Merit and Jhett; son Matthew and wife Elizabeth Skaggs of Oklahoma City and their children Claira, Gracelyn and Canon; Beverly Skaggs and Steve Slater of Oklahoma City; Pam and Stan Guffey of Oklahoma City, son’s Lance and Kyle of Oklahoma City; and best friend and companion for 15 years, Debbie Phares of Kingwood,TX - Moseley, VA and her daughter Heather Jarrell & Family of Kingwood, TX.

A celebration of life service is pending. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society, and Life Share of Oklahoma.