93-year-old Donald G. Riggs of Fairfield, died at 9:20pm on Monday, May 31 at Nature Trail Health and Rehab Center in Mt. Vernon, IL. He had been the owner and operator of the Newsstand in Fairfield for many years.
Don was born on May 3, 1928, in Wayne County, IL, to Goldie (Lemons) Manlove and was raised by his step-father, Wildon Manlove. He was married to June Riggs, who preceded him in death on January 25, 2010.
Don was a Veteran of the United States Army, playing football for the military team. He had played football at FCHS and SIU in Carbondale as a young man and was also an avid Cardinals baseball fan. Don loved the outdoors, duck and quail hunting, boating, and camping. More than the outdoors, Don loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Survivors include two daughters Patti (Steve) Peeples of Mt. Vernon, IL, and Donna (Kelly) Henby of Olney, five grandchildren Jared Warren, Amanda (Jeff) Barnett, Nicholas (Amy) Warren, Jeremy (Gina) Thomas, Courtney (Tony) Roche, one step-grandson Gary Peeples, seven great grandchildren Ashtyn Warren, Aryka Warren, Spencer Barnett, Kaden Thomas, Brody Roche, Brasyn Roche, Alaca Roche, two step-great grandchildren Howard Peeples and James Peeples, one half-brother Glen (Marilyn) Riggs of Downers Grove, IL, and two half-sisters Betty Root of Nevada, and Patricia Gideon of Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife June, and one half-sister Thelma Sikora.
Funeral services for Don Riggs will be at 11am on Thursday, June 3rd at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield, with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the Fairfield Jr. Football League and will be accepted at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral home which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.facebook.com/johnsonvaughnfuneralhome.