Donald Raymond Riggs

Donald Raymond Riggs, 89, of Niceville, Florida, died Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville, Florida. Donald was born June 30, 1934, in Eldorado, Arkansas. He was raised by his father Herman Ernest Riggs and his mother Fay Garner Riggs. He graduated from Eldorado High School with honors and received a scholarship to attend Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. He was inducted into Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society, and initiated into Phi Kappa Phi on June 30, 1956. He graduated with honors in Chemical Engineering and was a Fulbright scholar who studied in Sweden. He was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).

Donald met the love of his life, Rilma Hebert, in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 19, 1967. They married on July 20, 1968, and are the parents of one son, Donald Steven Riggs. Donald’s job meant frequent moves to interesting locations and the meeting of such wonderful friends through the years. He worked for Exxon Chemical and Columbia Gas until he retired to Niceville, Florida in 1989 with his family. Their son Steven married Rachel Karen Riggs and they are the parents of Donald and Rilma's two wonderful grandchildren, Logan Elward Riggs and Katelyn Nadine Riggs.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Rilma, his son Steven, daughter-in-law Rachel, grandson Logan Elward, granddaughter Katelyn Nadine, niece Donna Michelle Foster, and nephew William “Billy” Riggs. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Thurmond Riggs, Harold Riggs, and William “Bill” Riggs.

Donald was a joyful convert to the Catholic faith and a member of Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church. Donations may be made to the Building Fund at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church or to the American Cancer Society.

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