Humble leader, generous supporter and founding 21Wilberforce board member dies
21Wilberforce mourns the passing of Keith Skaar, a founding board member whose quiet faith, generous spirit and unwavering commitment to Christ helped shape the organization from its earliest days.
Skaar, a petroleum geologist and longtime church leader in Midland, Texas, served on the founding board of 21Wilberforce beginning in 2014. Over three terms, he helped guide the organization’s vision with a steady, humble presence and a deep concern for persecuted Christians around the world.
“Keith Skaar is one of the finest men I have known,” said Dr. Randel Everett, founder and president emeritus of 21Wilberforce. “We shared worship services, board meetings, mission trips, meals—even golf outings—and Keith was always the same person: confident yet humble, funny as well as serious, brilliant, though often the brunt of his own jokes, and deeply devoted to his family, his church and above all, the Lord.”
A founding leader marked by generosity
Skaar’s belief in the mission of 21Wilberforce was evident from the beginning.
After an early gathering of the founding board, he left before the evening concluded—but not before scribbling a note on a napkin pledging $50,000 to help launch the organization.
“That was certainly not the last gift he gave,” Everett said.
Skaar served as the board’s first secretary and remained actively engaged throughout his tenure. Even in leadership, his humility was unmistakable. When asked to continue as secretary for a second year, he joked, “I didn’t do anything as secretary last year—I’m willing to do the same next year.”
Behind the humor was a leader deeply committed to the mission—particularly to advancing religious freedom and supporting persecuted believers globally.
A global vision rooted in personal faith
Skaar’s passion for global ministry extended well beyond board service. He participated in mission efforts, including a trip to Lebanon that left a lasting impression.
“He loved the people there, and they loved him,” Everett said. “When we returned, Keith led by example—challenging our church to support Lebanon with prayer, resources and relationships. That commitment continues to this day.”
Wissam al-Saliby, president of 21Wilberforce, also recalled Skaar’s deep personal investment in the global church.
“I first met Keith in Midland, Texas, in 2016,” al-Saliby said. “He was a friend and great supporter of the church in Lebanon and across the Middle East. When I visited him in his home, I was struck by how down-to-earth and personable he was.”
Even later in life, Skaar’s attention remained focused on others.
“When we last met over lunch, he listened intently as I shared about 21Wilberforce, then asked about the church in Lebanon and the Middle East,” al-Saliby said. “His gaze spoke more than his words—this was something deeply important to him.”
Al-Saliby added: “Over the past decades, I have seen how God worked through the city of Midland, Texas, and through Keith Skaar, as a conduit for resourcing global missions, evangelism and Gospel hope.”
Faith lived out in the marketplace
Skaar spent more than 35 years in the oil and gas industry, primarily in the Permian Basin, and founded Augustin Exploration, LLC. But he viewed his professional life as an extension of his faith.
In a 2019 profile by the Baptist Standard, Skaar described his calling to serve Christ in the marketplace, emphasizing that Christian vocation extends beyond traditional ministry roles.
“I am free to engage the marketplace each day as a follower of Christ Jesus, looking out for His interests and the interests of others, rather than being consumed each day looking out for my own,” he said (Baptist Standard, Sept. 24, 2019).
A longtime member of First Baptist Church in Midland, Skaar served as a deacon and trustee and supported missions initiatives locally and globally. He believed the church should identify needs in the community and meet them with compassion and action.
A legacy of humility and service
Those who knew Skaar consistently point to his humility.
Despite professional success, leadership roles and significant generosity, he avoided recognition. Over more than a decade of service with 21Wilberforce, only a few photographs document his involvement—a reflection of a man who never sought the spotlight.
Instead, he invested in people, in the church and in the work of the Gospel around the world.
“I have never known a more generous man,” Everett’s wife, Sheila, said upon hearing of his passing.
Skaar’s prayers also left a lasting impression. Everett recalled one he often prayed: “Lord, we know this isn’t heaven …”
Now, during the season in which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ, that prayer carries added meaning.
“This week,” Everett said, “Keith has experienced heaven personally, falling in praise before the One to whom he committed his life.”
Keith Skaar’s legacy is found not in public recognition, but in the lives he touched, the causes he quietly advanced and the steady faith that marked his life.
He was a builder—of businesses, ministries, relationships and the Kingdom of God.
Raised in Humble, Texas, he lived in a way that reflected it—not seeking recognition, but faithfully serving where God placed him.
April 2, 2026
Feature photo caption: Dr. Randel Everett, Keith Skaar, Sheila Everett, and Ross Chandler prior to a meeting on Capitol Hill, Washington, DC