Clayton Riggs passed away on Friday, January 11, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 19, 2019 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. Rosary will begin at 10:00am with mass following. Burial will be at the Mount Hope-Calvary cemetery in Independence. Visitation will be Friday, January 18th at Potts Chapel of Independence, 12-7:00pm, family greeting friends 5-7:00pm. Memorials are suggested to the St. Andrew’s Catholic School and can be left with the funeral home.
Clayton Riggs was born on January 29, 1929, in McCune, Kansas to Donald and Gertrude (Kohlasch) Riggs. He grew up in McCune where he attended elementary school and graduated from McCune High School.
He worked for the McCune Herald newspaper as a teenager and, later, for Hallmark Cards in Parsons, Kansas, before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in September of 1950. After serving at several Air Force bases around the world, he was honorably discharged in 1954 as a staff sergeant.
On Nov. 26, 1954, he married Josephine Ortega on November 26, 1954, in Parsons.
Clayton worked for Sinclair Oil, which was purchased by Atlantic Richfield, in Independence, Kansas, as a Supervisor of Transportation and Building Operations until he retired. He also worked part-time as a meat cutter at Grewell’s Grocery store.
Clayton volunteered many years, especially after his retirement, for St. Andrew Catholic Church and school. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the VFW.
Josephine proceeded him in death in 2014. Also preceding were three brothers, Earl Riggs, Ellis Riggs, Paul Riggs; and one sister, Fern Litzenberg; and one great-grandson. Surviving are four children: Christopher and Daniel of Wichita, Robert of Independence, and Katrina of The Woodlands, Texas; nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Guestbook Entries
-
Please know our hearts and prayers are with the family. We feel blessed to have known this kind and gentle person. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy. God bless. Tom & Patti Orosco
Tom & Patti Orosco
Eudora, KS -
We are both send our condolences to all of the Riggs Family. Clayton had a very strong faith in God and was loved by everyone. We will both pray for him as well for all of you in this sorrowful time in your lives. May he Rest in Peace. God Bless and Keep all of you.
Sincerely,
Wilda & Paul Ysusi
Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Ysusi
Bellevue, NE -
Mr. Riggs and my father both grew up in McCune. They often reminisced about that, years later even taking a trip there to visit places of memory. Mr. Riggs was such a gentleman, so kind, loving, and giving of himself. I know he and Mrs. Riggs are celebrating in Heaven. What sweet people. My deepest sympathy to the Riggs family for your loss, but I'm so thankful they had such wonderful kids to brighten our earthly world.
Carolyn Sayers Torrance
Independence, KS -
So very sorry for your loss, I met Clayton at Walgreens where he came in every once in a while, was always a very nice gentleman, am happy to of gotten to know him!
Juanita Zamora
Independence, KS -
So sorry for your loss. You have all been in my prayers, especially this last week. Clayton was a great man! Blessings, Linda McMillan
Linda McMillan
Parsons, KS -
Danny, I’m so sad to hear that your dad has passed. I know you love him so much. I hope he is happy to be with your mom and that the memories of their love for you & your family are able to give you some comfort. Why can’t our loved ones stay forever? I love you all. A big hug to you & Angie & the boys. Julia
Julia
Denver, CO -
So sorry for your loss! Sending prayers to you and your family! Love you guys! Thinking of You Robert and Cindy!
Dr. & Mrs. Steve Miller
COFFEYVILLE, KS -
To the Riggs family. They did not come any better than Clayton and Josephine. Thanks to them for all they were to me during my time in Indy. God bless. Fr. Leon
Fr. Leon Kerschen
Bel Aire, KS -
Robert/Cindy,
I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
David Powell and Family
Coffeyville, KS -
Clayton, you were one of the best. Love you to the moon and back. RIP.
Debbie Cornett
Independence, KS -
So sorry for you loss! He was such a wonderful man!
Jean Cathcart
Charlotte, NC -
So very sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Lauri Zimmerman
Independence, KS
Condolences(12)
Sign GuestbookTom & Patti Orosco
Monday, January 21, 2019Eudora, KS
Please know our hearts and prayers are with the family. We feel blessed to have known this kind and gentle person. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy. God bless. Tom & Patti Orosco
Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Ysusi
Friday, January 18, 2019Bellevue, NE
We are both send our condolences to all of the Riggs Family. Clayton had a very strong faith in God and was loved by everyone. We will both pray for him as well for all of you in this sorrowful time in your lives. May he Rest in Peace. God Bless and Keep all of you.
Sincerely,
Wilda & Paul Ysusi
Carolyn Sayers Torrance
Wednesday, January 16, 2019Independence, KS
Mr. Riggs and my father both grew up in McCune. They often reminisced about that, years later even taking a trip there to visit places of memory. Mr. Riggs was such a gentleman, so kind, loving, and giving of himself. I know he and Mrs. Riggs are celebrating in Heaven. What sweet people. My deepest sympathy to the Riggs family for your loss, but I'm so thankful they had such wonderful kids to brighten our earthly world.
Juanita Zamora
Wednesday, January 16, 2019Independence, KS
So very sorry for your loss, I met Clayton at Walgreens where he came in every once in a while, was always a very nice gentleman, am happy to of gotten to know him!
Linda McMillan
Wednesday, January 16, 2019Parsons, KS
So sorry for your loss. You have all been in my prayers, especially this last week. Clayton was a great man! Blessings, Linda McMillan
Julia
Tuesday, January 15, 2019Denver, CO
Danny, I’m so sad to hear that your dad has passed. I know you love him so much. I hope he is happy to be with your mom and that the memories of their love for you & your family are able to give you some comfort. Why can’t our loved ones stay forever? I love you all. A big hug to you & Angie & the boys. Julia
Dr. & Mrs. Steve Miller
Monday, January 14, 2019COFFEYVILLE, KS
So sorry for your loss! Sending prayers to you and your family! Love you guys! Thinking of You Robert and Cindy!
Fr. Leon Kerschen
Monday, January 14, 2019Bel Aire, KS
To the Riggs family. They did not come any better than Clayton and Josephine. Thanks to them for all they were to me during my time in Indy. God bless. Fr. Leon
David Powell and Family
Monday, January 14, 2019Coffeyville, KS
Robert/Cindy,
I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Cornett
Monday, January 14, 2019Independence, KS
Clayton, you were one of the best. Love you to the moon and back. RIP.
Jean Cathcart
Monday, January 14, 2019Charlotte, NC
So sorry for you loss! He was such a wonderful man!
Lauri Zimmerman
Monday, January 14, 2019Independence, KS
So very sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with the family.