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Memorial Keepers (2)

Desert Sunset Funeral Home

Anthol "Al" Eugene Riggins

October 31st, 1940 - January 2nd, 2025

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Beloved husband and father, Anthol (Al) Eugene Riggins, 84, of Oro Valley, AZ, passed away January 2, 2025 after a long and fulfilling life.  

 

He was born October 31, 1940 in Quincy, IL, and raised by his late parents, Otho R. and Anna E. (Goertz) Riggins, in Golden, IL. He graduated from Central High School, Camp Point, IL in 1958 and attended Western Illinois University for two years.  He served as Meteorological Observer at Fort Huachuca, AZ and in Greenland during his enlistment in the U.S. military.  Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1962, Anthol worked in Illinois, Maine and New Hampshire as a Senior Technician for the cable industry for a number of years.  He joined Federal Service as a U.S. Army Civilian in 1979.  As a Quality Assurance Specialist (Ammunition Surveillance), he traveled the world throughout his various work assignments.  Locations included Fischbach, Muenchweiler, and Baumholder, Germany; Red River Army Depot, TX; Seneca Army Depot, NY; Zweibrucken and Kaiserslautern, Germany; the U.S Army Defense Ammunition Center, OK; Uijeongbu, Korea; and Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.  During his nearly 30-year career in Federal Service, he received numerous awards and commendations.  He retired in 2008 from the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, OK. 

 

He was a faithful member of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Tucson, and was involved in several ministries, including Vestry, Altar Guild, and the Endowment Fund and Stewardship committees.

 

He loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and former colleagues.  He enjoyed fishing, reading, and his pets.  He was an enthusiastic traveler.  Upon retiring, the love of travel took him to far-flung places:  New Zealand, Tahiti, Easter Islands, Costa Rica, Panama, Greece, Germany, South America, South Africa, Iceland, and throughout the U.S.   

 

He was preceded in death by his brothers Roger and Dean, sister Margorie Dieterle, his half-brother Morris, and Sharon Kinkade, first wife and mother of his children.

 

Survivors include his wife, Sally (Benson) Riggins, daughters Deborah Wargo and Angela King (Russ), and son Jeffrey Riggins (Katrina), five grandchildren, Christina, Kelly, Ian, Abby, and Noah, and four great-grandchildren.

 

His memory will remain in the hearts of his family who knew his love; as well as those that had the fortune of knowing him and his kindness, talents, and humor.

 

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. February 22, 2025 at Christ the King Episcopal Church, Tucson, with interment with Military Honors at the VA cemetery Marana, AZ at 10:00 a.m. February 24, 2025.

 

 

We Entrusted Anthol Riggins's Care To

Desert Sunset Funeral Home

Desert Sunset Funeral Home

Desert Sunset Funeral Home is honored to showcase our meticulously renovated facilities equipped with cutting-edge capabilities. Our spacious chapel warmly welcomes families of diverse faiths and cultures, while private areas provide a more intimate farewell experience. At Desert Sunset, we wholeheartedly embrace the vibrant tapestry of Tucson and Marana communities, and our dedicated bilingual staff ensures that every service is conducted with respect and inclusivity. It is our privilege to assist you in creating a farewell that uniquely honors your loved one's legacy....

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(520) 200-7011

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