Obituary of Lt. Col. Claude Eugene Riggs, Jr.

Lt. Col. Claude Eugene Riggs Jr. Claude Eugene Riggs passed peacefully with his children at his bedside on February 15, 2021 in Bossier City, LA. He was the first born of Claude and Novelle Riggs in Walnut Ridge, AR on January 17th 1933. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife of 68 years Lenetta Jane Presnell Riggs and his sister Sally Riggs Insalaco. After graduating from North Little Rock high school he received a track scholarship to the University of Arkansas but soon transferred to Memphis State to be closer to his wife. They married in 1952. He earned his BS degree and was commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1956. Then going to San Antonio, TX for officer training school. After which, he volunteered for bomb navigation school in Albany, Georgia where he became certified in all B-52 bombers. He moved his family to many different places around the country during his career. He did 3 tours in Guam during the Vietnam War where he earned many decorations including; Distinguished Flying cross, Meritorious Service medal, Metal with 9 devices, Air Force Commendation Medal with device, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Awards Ribbon with 5 devices, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 6 devices, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation with device, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 devices, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his retirement in 1984 he attended LSUS earning his Masters degree and began his 10 year teaching career at Parkway high school where he taught history and was awarded Teacher of the Year. During his teaching tenure he sponsored Student Council and Beta Club. He was greatly loved and admired by his pupils and fellow teachers. He was an avid outdoorsman and raised German short haired pointers for bird hunting. He was a proficient marksman; founding a skeet club in Albany, Georgia. He enjoyed hunting and camping with his family. He was an excellent fisherman and enjoyed many trips trout fishing on the White River. He was the biggest fan of his children and grandchildren supporting their sporting endeavors. He is survived by his daughter, Dana Riggs Todd and her husband David; son Claude Eugene Riggs, III and wife Sarah Jane; sister, Judith Maglothin and husband Raymond; and brother John L. Riggs and wife Janelle; grandchildren, Charles Eugene Riggs, III and wife Sarah; Samuel Thomas Riggs and wife Anna; Alison Elizabeth Todd and husband Justin Nix; David Alexander Todd and fiancé Amanda Madden; Abigail Bennett Todd, and Natalie Jane Riggs; great-grandchildren Joseph Russell Riggs, Zazie Jane Nix, Margot Malone Nix, Georgia LaRhue Riggs, Presley Jane Riggs, and his puppy Lovie. Special people in his life include cousin Charleen and Dick Rosebery, John and Cleta Bynog, Bill and Donna Shields, Dr. and Mrs. W. Philip Kinnebrew; and brother-in-law, Vincent Insalaco.