Beckham County, OK - Obits: W. D. Riggs, 1926
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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RIGGS, W. D.
(17 Jun 1926, Thursday, Elk City News Democrat, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK):
It was with deep regret that the news of the death of W. D. Riggs, local
manager of the Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co., was received in this city
Sunday afternoon.
Few knew that Mr. Riggs was critically ill until the sad announcement was
whispered about town and the suddenness was a shock to his many friends
here.
He had been a sufferer from diabetes for some time, and was the victim of
an attack about Decoration day.  However he had so far recovered that he
was able to be about town and was on the streets as late as Saturday
morning.  He was suddenly stricken, physicians were called who said they
could do nothing to relieve him.  In the hope that he might be benefitted
the morning train was held Sunday morning and he was taken to a hospital
in Oklahoma City.  This was unavailing, however and he passed away about
noon on that day.
It is seldom that the news of a death creates such widespread sorrow.  Mr.
Riggs has always been the picture of health and only his most intimate
friends know of the dread malady which menaced his life.  He never spoke
of it or complained and not knowing and it was with difficulty that one
could realize that he was gone.
Mr. Riggs came to Elk City in January 1925 since which time he has acted
as manager of the O. G. & E. properties here.  Although a young man he
possessed the unusual business ability and the affairs of the company were
handled as though in the hands of a veteran.  His dealings with the public
were always fair and above board and he was looked upon as one of the good
citizens of the town.
Active in the work of the Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion and
other organizations, he gave service to the organization and the city was
always ready to do his part in any worthy undertaking.  He and Mrs. Riggs
were prominent socially and occupied a high place in the esteem of all
with whom he came into contact.
With all his efforts in a public way and the responsible position he held,
Mr. Riggs was quiet and unassuming.  Never excitable, he went about what
he was doing in a systematic manner and the fact that he was always a
gentleman under all circumstances has often been commented upon.
Outside of his business and public activities Mr. Riggs was a home man,
and the time during which he was not engaged in useful activity was spent
in his home with his wife and little son, to both of whom he was most
attentive.
Tuesday morning a delegation of ladies from the American Legion Auxiliary
went to Oklahoma City to be with Mrs. Riggs and a large number of the
members of the American Legion and several business men attended the
funeral.  Rev. Mobley of the First Christian Church of Oklahoma City
preached an impressive sermon at the funeral parlor.  Preceeding the
sermon Mrs. George A. Davis sang a beautiful solo.  After the service at
the Street and Draper Home the body was taken to Rose Hill cemetery for
interment.
Mrs. Riggs, baby daughter, Dixie, her mother and niece will return today
with Mr. and Mrs. Steddom.  Plans for the future have not been made.

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