Earl Riggin

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Earl DeWayne Riggin, 63, of Pittsburg, passed away at 3:43 p.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, MO.

He was born May 18, 1955, at Girard, KS, the son of Harlan Wendell and Betty Frances (Rabone) Riggin. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1973 and from Pittsburg State University in 1977 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Programming.

Years before he got his college degree he had established himself as a talented and hard worker on neighboring farms. In 1979 he established a custom harvesting business that serviced customers from Texas to Idaho.

One harvest he met the love of his life, Mary Hill. They were married o December 13, 1986 in Dillon, Montana. They were best friends and partners in all the work of their business, farm and parenting.

Earl became a loving father to Mary's two sons and daughter and later his nephew Erik Starliper, whose mother had passed. Earl and Mary welcomed Erik into their hearts and home.

He was extremely loyal to his customers, friends, and family.

He and his wife were members of the First Church of the Nazarene, Pittsburg.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Daniel and (Kimberly) Foster of Ft. Worth, TX, William and (Bethany) Foster of Pittsburg, Krystine and (Brett) Messer of Pittsburg, nephew Erik Starliper of Pittsburg, Cole and Cade Riggin of the home. His siblings, Steven R. Riggin of St. Louis, Ralph M. and (Alice) Riggin of Eastvale, CA, and Rita M. and (Doug) Swan of Lexington, KY, nine grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Laura Yvonne Riggin and Carol Irene Woodruff.

A memorial service for Earl will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 7, 2018, at the First Church of the Nazarene, Pittsburg, with Reverend Jim Sukraw conducting the service. Private family burial will take place at a later date at the Crocker Cemetery, Pittsburg. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Shriner's Hospital, and/or Vie Medical Clinic, Pittsburg. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 East 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.