Published: November 08, 2009 08:42 pm      

LES P. RIGGS

BISMARCK — Les P. Riggs, 56, of Bismarck, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.

He was born Oct. 16, 1953, in Danville, the son of Paul Louis and Mildred M. (Stump) Riggs. Les married Melody K. Jumps on Sept. 15, 1974, at Farmers Chapel Church in Danville. She survives.

Les is also survived by his three daughters, Michelle (Ben) Walden of Hopkinsville, Ky., Becky Riggs of Bismarck and Patty Riggs of Champaign; one sister, Margie (Charles) Watkins of Cayuga, Ind.; one grandson, Andrew Walden of Hopkinsville, Ky.; his in-laws, Sam and Pat Jumps; a special aunt, Ruth Stump; his cousin, Billy Joe Tuggle; and four nephews, Mike, Steve, Randy and Scott. Les was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mildred Riggs.

Les graduated from Danville Area Community College with an associate’s degree in agriculture mechanics. He worked 27 years at the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department where he received the rank of captain. He retired on Oct. 17, 2008. When he was younger, Les also spent time working at Morrison Funeral Home in Bismarck, Tuggle Construction, Brinks Security and as a lake patrol officer. He enjoyed working on the farm, watching westerns, mowing his yard and running heavy equipment.

Les also enjoyed watching NASCAR and football, but what he enjoyed most of all was spending time with his family. He was an animal lover that never gave up the opportunity to pick up a stray dog. He was a member of the Ridgeview Baptist Church in Danville. Les was a very kind man who would help anybody who was in need. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

A celebration of the life of Les Riggs will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville. Burial will follow at Walnut Corner Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made in Les’ name to the Penny Watkins Cancer Fund. E-mail condolences can be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.