Lindle Carl Riggs

Lindle Carl Riggs, 91, passed away December 31, 2012 at The Oaks of Radford Hills in Abilene, Texas. There will be a visitation with the family on Wednesday, January 2nd from 5:30 to 7:00pm at the Piersall Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street in Abilene.


Lindle was born in Garber, Oklahoma on June 22, 1921. The oldest child of Clarence Carl Riggs and Mable Doris Riggs. His family lived on a farm and raised dairy cattle. Six weeks before he graduated from High School he enlisted in the army and was sent to Warrington, England where he met his wife of 54 years, Marion Ellis Riggs, who preceded him in death in 1998. Mr. Riggs was stationed at Burtonwood Army Base until the end of World War II.


He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Jerry Anderson of Abilene, grandson Scott Anderson and wife Patricia, and granddaughter, Jody Anderson. Great grandchildren include Chantz, Slayde, and Gentri Anderson. He also was proud to be known as Papa Riggs to Nichole Fejes and children Danielle Hardin, Riley, Austin, Dylan Fejes, Nevada and Lex'n Holmans. Other family includes a sister, Mary Ann Unruh and husband, Les of Odessa and their children, Roger Unruh and Kim Holmes, a nephew, Billy Ciccone and wife, Sue of Eatontown, New Jersey and nieces, Mary Ann and husband Ernie D'Emilo of Ocean Township, New Jersey, and Novelle Hendrickson and her grandson, Jason L'Heureux.


In 1950, Mr. Riggs moved his family to Odessa from Enid, Oklahoma and began working at Harlow Sammons, which he bought in 1956. Lynn was an active civic leader in Odessa. His activities always centered around the growth and development of Odessa. He was a life member of Optimist International, past president of the High Noon Optimist Club, and past Lieutenant Governor of the North Texas District of North Texas Optimist Clubs. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for many years and served on many committees. He also supported Boys Clubs and worked with boys baseball teams.


The Chuck Wagon Gang was one of his most enjoyable services to the community. He was a member of the (Gang) for eleven years before he became "Boss". During his leadership the Gang went to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where the gang set a record by feeding 29,000 people during the Edmonton Klondike Days Celebration. Fishing and sports were two other spheres of interest.


Those preceding him in death are Marion Riggs (wife), Gwendalyn Kaye (daughter), Clarence and Mable Riggs (parents), Opal and George Skillman (sister and brother-in-law), Mildred and Jerry Ciccone (sister and brother-in-law), Leo and Allene Riggs (brother and sister-in -law) and Charlotte Skillman (niece)


A graveside service for Mr. Riggs will be held at the Sunset Memorial Gardens on Thursday, January 3rd at 12:00 pm (noon) in Odessa, Texas. After the service in Odessa there will be a visitation with the family. Because he loved his many pets over the years, memorials can be made to the animal shelters in Odessa or Abilene in lieu of flowers. Condolences and remembrances may be left for the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.