Richard Leroy Skaggs

Richard LeRoy Skaggs lost his battle with cancer in the early morning of June 2, 2024. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family in Drummond, MT. He was 84 years old.

Richard was born at home on a sheep ranch just outside Swea City, Iowa to Curtis and Marjorie Skaggs on October 9, 1939. He was the oldest of five children. The family resided in Elmore, MN until the family moved to Drummond in October of 1951 where Richard resided until his death.

Richard began school in Elmore and continued there until the family moved to Drummond when he was a 7th grader. He graduated from Drummond High School in May of 1957. He married his high school sweetheart, Marion Barker on June 26, 1957. Together they raised a son, Richard “Rick” Skaggs, Jr, and two daughters; Terri Lynn and Brenda.

Richard started working early in life at the age of 13 at the gas station his parents owned. He was a steady worker his entire life. Richard worked many different jobs including the family gas station, sawmill worker, ranch hand, mechanic, foreman of a rock quarry in both Drummond and Bridger, Montana, county road supervisor and finally a truck driver. He said he never had a job he did not like. But his favorite was truck driver.

Richard enjoyed spending time at the family cabin snowmobiling in the winter months and four wheeling or driving the side by side. Drives in the country were another favorite pastime.  Seems there was always a yearly trip over the Skalkaho. He loved family time: holiday dinners and attending sporting events to watch his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren in all their activities.

Richard was a life long member of the Drummond Volunteer Fire Department. He also served on the fire board.

Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marion, son Rick (Janece), and daughters Terri (Steve) Klein, and Brenda (Bill) Harmon. Grandchildren Richard LeRoy “Rick” Skaggs III (Alika), Melissa Skaggs (Eddy Stoller), Kelsey (Jay) Corti, Lane (Larisa) Harmon and Dell (Rennay) Harmon. Great grandchildren Quinn and Brinley Skaggs, Bentley Stoller, Elliot and Beckham Corti, and Waylon and Stetson Harmon.

Richard is also survived by brothers Roger (Vicky) Skaggs, Dennis, sister-in-law Barbara and sister Suzanne (Buck) Browning.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and brother Clifford.

A Memorial Service and reception will be held at the Valley Fire Hall in Drummond on Saturday June 29, 2024 at 4:00 pm.

Memorials can be made to the Valley Fire District, Box 32, Drummond, MT 59832 or the Harriet Anderson Memorial Scholarship: c/o Chris Anderson, 6103 Hobson Lane, Missoula, MT 59803.

Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Richard.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory is privileged to care for Richard and his family.