Robert (Skeeter) Frank Quigg, Jr.

Robert (Skeeter) Frank Quigg went to be with God in heaven on Monday, June 23 after showing quiet courage and determination during the challenges he battled over the last two months of his life.

Skeeter was born on August 30, 1944, to Robert and Ellen (Branberg) Quigg in Moline, Illinois. During their childhood, Skeeter and his sister Sue moved often with their parents, living in several states throughout the country. The many places they called home provided the backdrop for building a close sibling bond that lasted throughout their lives.

Skeeter eventually landed at Parkview High School in Springfield, Missouri, where he met Linda, the woman who stole his heart. After graduating, Skeeter and Linda married in Springfield, but shortly after, they moved to Jacksonville, Arkansas, as Skeeter enlisted in the United States Air Force.

During his time in the military, Skeeter rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving as a crew chief on the B-58 team. He played a critical role in ensuring these vital warplanes were mission-ready to carry essential cargo to Vietnam. After being honorably discharged in early 1970, Skeeter and Linda moved back to Springfield with their 2-month-old daughter, Kelly. With Linda’s steady support and partnership, Skeeter earned his degree from Southwest Missouri State in just three years—all while working full time at Cole’s Clothing and celebrating the arrival of their son, Scott.

After a short time at the Springfield Teachers Credit Union, Skeeter began his career as an insurance adjuster with Crawford and Company. His strong work ethic and patient, people-centered approach opened doors for advancement. As the family grew—with the blessed addition of their youngest daughter, Kesha—they relocated to Kansas City and then Chicago before eventually returning to Springfield. There, Skeeter was entrusted with managing the local Crawford office. Throughout these years, the family bonded over their shared love of sports, spending countless hours in the gyms at Kickapoo or cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoons. After 34 years in the insurance adjusting industry, Skeeter finally retired, ready to devote his time to the people and passions closest to his heart.

While Skeeter built a successful career, his deepest commitments were always his wife, his family, and his church. If he wasn’t cheering loudly at the Lady Bears games or supporting one of his grandchildren at a volleyball game in Willard or Nixa, he could likely be found at Wesley United Methodist Church, working on one of the many projects close to his heart. Skeeter was always willing to lend a hand—whether accepting a key leadership role at the church’s request, serving alongside Linda on the Hospitality Team, faithfully showing up each month to cook for the men’s breakfast, or helping to organize major initiatives like the Mission Blitz, the annual Trivia Night, and the St. Paul adoption. Titles and recognition were never important to Skeeter. What mattered was showing up—quietly, faithfully, and wholeheartedly—wherever he was needed.

As a result, those able to spend time with Skeeter frequently walked away grateful for the experience. Whether it was a thoughtfully shared insight drawn from a lifetime of experience, a dry one-liner pulled from his personal “dad”abase of Dad jokes, or calling you his favorite “Zelda Gunch” nickname, you were sure to leave with a smile on your face.

But no one brought out Papa’s smile quite like his family. Whether he was enlisting volunteers to crank homemade ice cream on the 4th of July, pitching in to help his kids with their latest projects, carrying on cherished holiday traditions, or whistling loudly from the sidelines of a game, Skeeter lived out one of the core values he instilled in his family: Even when you don’t know what’s needed, show up, roll up your sleeves, and trust that the rest will work itself out.

Some of Linda and Skeeter’s favorite memories came from the trips they took together. Quiet getaways to Big Cedar, yearly vacations in Florida, and even their unforgettable journey to Israel gave them the chance to slow down, foster great friendships with those close to them, and enjoy each other’s company—creating treasured moments they carried with them always. The trip to Israel proved especially impactful, offering countless opportunities to further deepen their faith.

Skeeter’s legacy was one of love, kindness, grace, humor and determination. Though he will be missed deeply, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue in the lives of those that he touched.

Skeeter is fondly remembered by his wife, Linda; his children Kelly (Sheila), Scott (Heather), and Kesha (Charlie); his grandchildren—Macey (Ben), Megan, Ember, and Mayva, as well as Tyler, Nathan, Jordan, and CJ; his first great-granddaughter, Ellayna; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Bob and Ellen Quigg, his sister, Sue Napier and her husband Bill.

A visitation will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 6, at 1:00 p.m. and the Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow. A military burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 7 at the Springfield National Cemetery 1702 E. Seminole.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to Wesley United Methodist Church.