Lyle Alton Riggs Jr., born September 27, 1925, in Mesa, Arizona, reunited with his sweetheart Trelva Mae Merrill Riggs on July 28, 2016.
He was a child of Lyle Alton Riggs and Goldie Motzkus Jones and the oldest of 3 brothers, Robert Riggs (deceased), Claude Hathcock, Jay Hathcock, and a sister, Sandra Morris. He is survived by 8 children: Deborah Wood (David), David Riggs (Donna), Rebecca Allen (David), Mark Riggs (Suzie), Deena Heap (Bob), Paul Riggs (Mary Ann), Matthew Riggs (Dawna), Kimberly Boynton (Matthew); 43 grandchildren; 75 great-grandchildren (with 3 more expected by year’s end); and 1 great-great grandchild.
Family, church & community service were his life’s center. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maplewood Ward, but spent most of his adult life as a member of the Mesa 4th Ward, where he served as Bishop. A WWII Army Veteran, who fought in Battle of the Bulge, he returned and served an LDS mission in the North Central States. He practiced accounting, taught school and then practiced law for over 50 years. He was active in civic affairs: Mesa City Council (Vice Mayor); Optimist Club (International Vice President); Little League (Coach); Boy/Explorer Scouts and published poetry books and music. He was optimistic, gentle, kind and accepting of all people and was the biggest fan of his grandchildren’s athletic, music and other events. In his later years, he was eternally grateful for the love and service rendered by so many.
Funeral services will be Saturday August 6th at the LDS Chapel 3301 S. Greenfield Rd, (next to Gilbert Arizona Temple) at 10 AM. Viewing Friday August 5th from 6-8 PM at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa and Saturday 9 AM prior to the funeral in Gilbert.
Because of Alton’s dedication to his children developing their many talents we as a family are blessed to have his Becky in our family. Her beautiful voice and sweet spirit we feel were greatly enhanced by her parents. What a wonderful celebration of life you all will have as you bring to remembrance all that you have loved and experienced being part of your wonderful heritage. Eternally your’s, The Jim & Shirlyn Allen Family
How thankful I am for this wonderful Riggs family!! The joy that must be going on, makes me so happy. I’m thankful to have known and loved your Dad and Mom on this earth, for the joy their kids have brought into my life. May you feel them both near this day. So Love the families we are connected to here and for eternity.
To Mr. Riggs’ family, I’m very sorry for your loss. I wanted to offer you some comfort that I’ve found in the Bible. In John 11:25 Jesus said “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” It’s my hope that you can draw comfort and strength from this promise that we can see our dead loved ones again.
This man was a giant in my life. I grew up with his son Matt, and Alton Riggs was our coach on the Mesa Optimists Little League team when Matt and I were 11 and 12 in 1977 and 1978. I didn’t realize it until later in life that his strong, calm and confident way would be such an example for me. I was fortunate enough to cross paths with him for the last time as a police officer as he came to the Chandler PD in the course of his work. I was a skinny little shortstop the last time he had seen me, and I will never forget him saying to me, “Wow, you’re so big!” I appreciated the time he gave to us young boys back then…we knew he was a very busy man. Just want to say that he had a very positive impact on me! Remember this everyone…be good, set a great example, and those seeds will bare fruit someday.