Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at the First Presbyterian Church in Gillette, Wyoming
Interment: Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette, Wyoming
Richard Riggle, age 69, of Gillette, Wyoming died Thursday, April 7, 2005, at his winter home in Texas, of a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Richard Walter Riggle was born on April 9, 1935, in Gillette, Wyoming the son of Walter and Rosalie (Barkley) Riggle. He graduated in 1953 from the Campbell County High School in Gillette, Wyoming. In 1953, he joined the United States military and served three years in the 101st Airborne division, as a paratrooper. He served our country from 1953-1956; making twenty-seven parachute jumps was honorably discharged. In 1957, Richard married Mary Lucille Evans, and they made their home in Gillette, Wyoming. He began his career working at the Wyodak Coal Mine (Wyodak Resources). In 1958, a son Kenton was born, 1960, daughter Sharon was born and passed away quickly, in 1962, daughter Terry was born and then in 1964, their son David was born. In 1969, his wife Mary passed away. He married Marlene Wellman on November 12, 1971 at the Bethlehem Church in Gillette, Wyoming; she had two daughters (Julene & Linda) that joined the family. The family lived at Wyodak until 1978, at which time they purchased a small acreage near Gillette, Wyoming. He enjoyed working at Wyodak Coal Mine and retired after 36 years of service. Richard followed in his father Walts footsteps, as he had previously spent 36 years with the Wyodak Coal Mine, as well. During this time Richard and Marlene also remolded and managed rental houses for over 30 years. He enjoyed many activities such as fishing, camping, golfing, gardening, woodworking, pulling slots, square dancing, hunting and raising various breeds of rabbits. Richard truly loved reading western novels and watching old western re-runs. He and Marlene enjoyed their retirement wintering in the warm southern Texas area, where Richard tended his tomato garden and grapefruit, orange and lemon trees. He was truly known for being a Levi and Western Shirt man and enjoyed eating out and visiting with friends.
Richard is survived by wife, Marlene Riggle of Gillette, Wyoming; sons, Kenton Riggle and David Riggle both of Gillette, Wyoming; daughters, Terry Chandler of Gillette, Wyoming; Julene Allen of Demotte, Indiana and Linda Friedland of Hickory, North Carolina; brother, George Riggle of Conoga Park, California; sister, Betty Sayles of Gillette, Wyoming and a legacy of 10 grandchildren ranging in age from 6 to 27.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife and infant daughter.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Richards name to benefit the American Cancer Society or Campbell County Higher Education College Scholarship.
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