Maurice Louis "Pug" Skaggs

Maurice Louis "Pug" Skaggs, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, lived a full and happy life before passing away on November 16, 2012, at the age of 89. Born on June 3, 1923, to Byron and Mary Skaggs in Florence, Texas, he was affectionately known as "Pug" to family and friends and "Pampa" to his adoring grandchildren.

Pug grew up in and around Florence working on farms, ranches, and at a filling station run by his family, where he fixed flats and delivered fuel and oil. He eventually moved to Fort Worth in 1941 to work for Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation.

Pug enlisted in the U.S. Navy with his brother Charlie in May of 1944 and was honorably discharged in May of 1946 after achieving the rank of Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class. Pug served on the U.S.S. Marcus Island aircraft carrier and logged 22 months of sea duty and approximately 444 hours of training as an aviation machinist. In his spare time on the ship, he also proudly worked as a photographer's assistant. He took and collected numerous photographs from his time in the Navy, which he always cherished.

Pug attended St. Edward's University in Austin. On April 25, 1950, he married the love of his life, Myrtle Irene "Myrt" Skaggs. The couple eventually settled on Lake Austin where they lived for almost 50 years, raising their children, caring for their grandchildren, and spending many joyful times with family and friends. Pug and Myrt loved being together, whether they were showing off on the dance floor, volunteering their time at St. Louis Catholic Church and St. Mary's Cathedral, or working side-by-side in their meticulous yard and garden.

Over the years, Pug worked at Petmecky's Hardware on Congress Avenue, where he helped make fishing rods and process deer brought in by hunters. He also worked for Goodyear Tire Company in Mineral Wells, Texas, the Pioneer Club restaurant, Standard Radio and Smykal's Business Products. Pug later embarked on a 26-year career with 3M Company, during which he won multiple national and regional sales awards. After retiring, he proudly gave tours of the 3M Company facility in Austin and worked for a short time at Padgitt's Electronics.

Pug loved to hunt deer and go fishing, grow and pick pecans, peaches, oranges and vegetables, collect antiques, and take photographs (especially Polaroids). He enjoyed taking his sons, grandchildren, and others water skiing on Lake Austin and on bike rides near his home. He also enjoyed celebrating the Fourth of July on Lake Austin and always participated in the annual boat parade with his sons and grandchildren.

The epitome of a father, grandfather, friend and good man, Pug never met a stranger. He was fun-loving and full of joy. He was always generous when it came to offering his help, love, and wisdom with his friendly blue eyes, big smile, and optimistic can-do outlook on life.

Pug will be dearly missed by his sister, Helen Romano, of Oklahoma City; three sons, Keith Skaggs and wife, Gail, of Spicewood; Tim Skaggs and wife, Brenda, of Bee Cave; and Ron Shelton and wife, Judy, of Spicewood; five grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Myrt, his brother Charles "Charlie" Skaggs, and his parents.

Pug's family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers and healthcare providers who demonstrated such love, patience, and compassion towards him during the last months of his life, particularly those at the Hope Group and Hospice Austin.

Visitation will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Lake Travis, 411 Ranch Road 620 South in Lakeway, Texas on Monday, November 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and a funeral service will take place at the Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel in Austin on Tuesday, November 27, at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or Hospice Austin at www.hospiceaustin.org