Gerald L. Riggs Sr. Obituary (1940 - 2018)

Gerald L. Riggs Sr., 78, of Heyworth, Illinois, passed away at 7:29 A.M., Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Warner Hospital & Health Services, Clinton, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded. His visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 25, 2018, at The United Church of Heyworth. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 A.M. also at the church with Pastor Linda Vonck officiating. Memorial donations may be made to JACK'S PLACE for Autism, 17360 W. 12 Mile Rd., Suite 200, Southfield, MI 48076 or Oakland University Center for Autism (OU Cares), Pawley Hall, Room 425C, 456 Pioneer Dr., Rochester, MI 48309-4482. Gerald was passionate about Autism as his grandson, Mason was diagnosed in 2004. Gerald was born April 22, 1940, in Brookville, Illinois, to James and Myrtle Spencer Riggs. He is survived by his daughter, Jamie S. (Doug) Cline of Heyworth, Illinois; son, Jerry L (Molly) Riggs Jr. of Shelby Township, Michigan; stepdaughters, Robin Sweborg and Leslie Pool of Avon, Illinois; brothers, Richard (Emma) Riggs of Fort Worth, Texas and Bob (Rhoda) Riggs of Janesville, Wisconsin; sister, Cathie Tompkins; twelve grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives, Darla and Sharon and daughter, Kelly Zimmerman. Gerald had a long successful career that he loved at Caterpillar where he retired in 1998. He was a loving man who was always smiling. Others came first to Gerald. He had an infectious laugh and was quite the charmer who made sure others he met felt special. Gerald was a loving father; stepfather; brother; grandfather; great-grandfather; uncle; and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.