1930
Van
2017
Van Earl Riggs
December 27, 1930 — January 14, 2017
Van Earl Riggs
December 27, 1930 - January 14, 2017
Van Earl Riggs, 86 of Amarillo died on Saturday, January 14, 2017. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at LaGrone Blackburn Shaw Coulter Road Chapel with Pastor Brad Reeves of Kingswood United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Volley for Veterans. Arrangements are by LaGrone Blackburn Shaw Funeral Directors, 8310 S. Coulter.
Van was born on December 27, 1930 in Dalhart to Wilmer and Lola Riggs. Van was in the boxing club in high school. Van married the love of his life, Mary Jo Watson on June 17, 1950 in Amarillo and he was a member of Kingswood United Methodist Church for fifty six years and was a 32nd degree Master Mason. Van hired out with Santa Fe railroad in 1950 and then proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After being honorably discharged, Van returned to the railroad and worked as an engineer until his retirement in December of 1992. He also served on the Santa Fe Federal Credit Union Board of Directors in the mid 1970's. Van could always be found watching the Dallas Cowboys when they were on the television. He loved his family and will be missed by all that knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Wayne Irvin Riggs and a sister, Wilma Dell Gatten.
He is survived by his wife Mary Jo; two daughters, Vana Jo Riggs Sheffield and husband Lee Wallace and Karen Sue Riggs; a son, David Brian Riggs and wife Lorna; two grandsons, Tyson L. Sheffield and wife Angela and Beau Brian Riggs and wife Amber; two granddaughters, Traci Lyn Sheffield Williams and husband Michael and Ryan Lea Riggs; seven great grandchildren, Tylie June Sheffield, Tye Van Sheffield, Crimsun Jeree Nunn, Madisun Lea Rodriguez, Kye Brian Riggs, Kasen Bentley Riggs and Riggs Michael Williams due in March 2017 and including numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to give special thanks to BSA Hospice and Connie Dillard.
The family suggests donations to Kingswood United Methodist Church Missions Fund.
The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at LaGrone Blackburn Shaw Coulter Road Chapel, 8310 S. Coulter.
December 27, 1930 - January 14, 2017
Van Earl Riggs, 86 of Amarillo died on Saturday, January 14, 2017. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at LaGrone Blackburn Shaw Coulter Road Chapel with Pastor Brad Reeves of Kingswood United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Volley for Veterans. Arrangements are by LaGrone Blackburn Shaw Funeral Directors, 8310 S. Coulter.
Van was born on December 27, 1930 in Dalhart to Wilmer and Lola Riggs. Van was in the boxing club in high school. Van married the love of his life, Mary Jo Watson on June 17, 1950 in Amarillo and he was a member of Kingswood United Methodist Church for fifty six years and was a 32nd degree Master Mason. Van hired out with Santa Fe railroad in 1950 and then proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After being honorably discharged, Van returned to the railroad and worked as an engineer until his retirement in December of 1992. He also served on the Santa Fe Federal Credit Union Board of Directors in the mid 1970's. Van could always be found watching the Dallas Cowboys when they were on the television. He loved his family and will be missed by all that knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Wayne Irvin Riggs and a sister, Wilma Dell Gatten.
He is survived by his wife Mary Jo; two daughters, Vana Jo Riggs Sheffield and husband Lee Wallace and Karen Sue Riggs; a son, David Brian Riggs and wife Lorna; two grandsons, Tyson L. Sheffield and wife Angela and Beau Brian Riggs and wife Amber; two granddaughters, Traci Lyn Sheffield Williams and husband Michael and Ryan Lea Riggs; seven great grandchildren, Tylie June Sheffield, Tye Van Sheffield, Crimsun Jeree Nunn, Madisun Lea Rodriguez, Kye Brian Riggs, Kasen Bentley Riggs and Riggs Michael Williams due in March 2017 and including numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to give special thanks to BSA Hospice and Connie Dillard.
The family suggests donations to Kingswood United Methodist Church Missions Fund.
The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 - 7:30 pm, Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at LaGrone Blackburn Shaw Coulter Road Chapel, 8310 S. Coulter.
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