John Louis Riggs, Sr. was called home to be with the Lord on July 6, 2018. Affectionally known as “Johnny”, he was born on August 28, 1939 to parents Edward Joseph Riggs and Elizabeth Bellard Riggs in Orange, TX. John had many siblings and came from a family of six brothers and nine sisters: Robert Riggs (deceased), Edward Riggs (deceased), Cora Riggs (deceased), Craddie Marie Riggs (deceased), Lee Ester Riggs-Floyd (deceased), James Riggs (deceased), Elnora Riggs, William Riggs (deceased), Sam Riggs (deceased), Mary Ethel Riggs-Carradine (deceased), Ora Mae Riggs-Smith, Elizabeth Riggs-Gore, Barbara Riggs-Long, Theresa Riggs-Holmes (m. Lawrence Holmes), and Patricia Riggs (deceased). He has a host of nieces and nephews.

Johnny has three daughters, Elizabeth Ann Riggs, Maria Antoinette Riggs, and Karen Riggs-Dove (Rodney-deceased) and 2 sons, John Louis Riggs, Jr. and David Riggs. He has 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Johnny was a 1958 graduate of Emma H. Wallace High School and later received a certificate in Process Operations from Lamar University. He was first employed with Harding and Lawler, Inc., then moved on to Firestone Polymers LLC, where he eventually retired after working there for 39 years and 7 months. He was a faithful member of St. Therese Catholic Church, a church originally built by his father along with a team of gentlemen. Johnny was a member of the Knights of Peter Claver Council #44, he served on the Usher Board, was a member of the Building Committee, and was also a member of the Parish Council. He was a former president of the Dukes Social and Civic Clubs. Johnny proudly served his community by serving two consecutive terms as a City Councilman of Orange, and one term as the Mayor Pro-Tem of Orange.

Johnny was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend to many. He was firm but fair, a man who always put his family first above all else. In his younger years, Johnny was a football coach to many of the youngsters in Orange. He was a mentor to many of the friends that both his children and grandchildren would bring around the family home, where the door was always open. He was a man who led by example, and had a very strong work ethic, he was always the voice of reason in many situations. His famous quote was “It is what it is”, reminding us not to sweat the small stuff. He would always say, “You’ve been through the hard part”, offering encouragement when at times we wanted to give up. He will truly be missed