Burton Joe Riggs

Burton Joe Riggs, 84, of Marshall, IL, left this world on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Terre Haute, IN with family by his side. He was born October 21, 1933 in West Union, IL, the son of Joseph William Riggs & Ida Craig Riggs. He married Dorothy Jeanne Thompson on July 6, 1958. Burton served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Back home, he became a lifetime member of both the West Union American Legion Post #1130 and the Marshall V.F.W. Post #5975, and was also a longtime member of the West Union First Baptist Church. Throughout his lifetime, he worked at the heavy water plant (VX Gas) in Newport, Velsico, Marathon and farmed his land for many years. Anyone who knew Burton would attest to the fact that the man loved music and was an avid mandolin player. Most every Friday or Saturday night, he could be heard playing at area nursing homes and eating places with the band Step Back in Time. He also played at the West Union Community Christmas Supper for several years as well. When he wasn’t plucking, he could often be found fishing, a pastime that he enjoyed for many, many years. More than anything, however, Burton loved his family, who has lost a wonderful and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Riggs (Marshall, IL); by his son & daughter-in-law, Terry & Cathy Riggs (Olney, IL); by his daughter-in-law, Sara Lee Riggs (West Union, IL); by four grandchildren, Jerry Jacob & Adrianna Riggs (Greenwood, IN), Kimberly Dawn & Ryan Pinkston (West Union, IL), Bobbi Jo Riggs & Doug Tuttle (West Union, IL), and Andrew Lee Riggs (West Union, IL); and by five great-grandchildren, Addison Grace Pinkston, Grayson Wesley Pinkston, Jaedlynn Jo Riggs, Jozey Michelle Riggs, and Elena Diane Riggs. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his son, Joseph William Riggs. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27th at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union, IL. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28th at the funeral home with burial following in the Ohio Cemetery. Steve Dolson will be officiating the services, and military rites will be conducted by the West Union American Legion Post #1130. Memorials may be made to the West Union American Legion Post #1130, with envelopes available at the funeral home.