J.B. Riggs

J.B. (Joe) Riggs, 94, of Monroe, OK passed away Saturday, May 23, 2015 in Poteau, OK.  J.B. was born December 15, 1920 in Brawley, AR to John Walter and Ardelia May (Chapple) Riggs.  J.B. was postmaster in Monroe during the 1950’s , worked at Fort Chaffee in the 1960’s and spent five years in Germany in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s – all in government service.  He culminated his working career as an instructor at Jim Hamilton Correctional Facility in the 1980’s.   J.B. had a B.A. degree from Southeastern in Durant and was a member of  the Church of Christ in Monroe.  He served in the Civilian Conservation  Corps in the 1930’s and in the Air Force during World War II.  He was an avid gardener and hosted the Monroe Old Timers’ Day for many years.   He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Hilda and Mildred; two brothers, Walter and Logan and his beloved wife, Bernice (Berny).

J.B. is survived by his sons, Ronald and wife Jean of Monroe, OK; Paul Alan (P.A.) of Hominy, OK; grandchildren, Joseph “Joey” Riggs and Katie of Montgomery, AL; Amy (Riggs) Jackson and husband Dan of Woodway, TX; Jason Riggs and wife Naomi of Temple, TX and Waylon Riggs of Monroe, OK; 7 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Services will be 2 pm, Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK .   Interment will be in Monroe Cemetery, Monroe, OK.  Pallbearers will be M.L. Reed, John Reed, Rick Andrews, Joey Riggs, Jason Riggs, Waylon Riggs.  Honorary pallbearers will be M.L. Owens and Charlie Pierce.

The family will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, from 6-8 pm to visit with relatives and friends.