Donnie Ray Riggs I

Donnie Ray Riggs I, of Monroe, OK, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Donnie was born on March 6, 1952 in Clayton, Arizona to Cratus Ray & Cordelia Fern (Wilcox) Riggs. He was a heavy equipment operator Donnie attended schools in Cameron, Tarby, & Poteau. He graduated from Indio High School in 1970 then went to Mechanical School for 2 years at the College of the Desert. He worked as a roofer throughout the United States with his brother Kenneth Riggs. In 1975 he met and married the love of his life, Phyllis Dellamedaglia. They were wed on November 16, 1975 and recently celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cratus Ray & Cordelia Fern (Wilcox) Riggs; a son, Donnie Riggs II; 8 sisters and 1 brother. Donnie is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Phyllis Riggs of the home; 2 daughters, Katrina & husband Ramon Casados of Fayetteville, AR & Danielle Riggs & fiance’ Justin Rhoades of Conneat Lake, PA; 4 grandchildren, David “Spud” Casados of the home, Kruz Casados, Griffen & MahrKi Johnson; a brother & sister in law, Connie & Linda Riggs of Vinita, OK; and a brother in law, Charles Hurley of Spiro, OK; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives & loved ones; and many beloved friends. Fuenral services for Donnie were held at 10:00 am, Monday, December 1, 2008 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, Oklahoma with the Reverend Marshall Faulkenberry & the Reverend Jimmy D. Cook officiating. Interment followed the services at Monroe Cemetery in Monroe, OK with arrangements under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, OK. Pallbearers were Justin Rhoades, Jeff Burger, Eldon Faulkenberry, Jr., Justin Dill, Dennis Wilson, & Jim Berngen.