Mr. Michael G. Riggs

After a lifetime of helping others, retired Anderson firefighter, Michael G. Riggs, passed away on June 5, 2017, in Manheim, Texas. Mike was born March 10, 1944, in Anderson, and graduated from Anderson High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen (Redic) Riggs, in 1965 and raised 4 children. Mike served as an aircraft electrician in the United States Air Force, including a tour in Vietnam at the Biên Hòa air base (1965-66) and was honorably discharged (E-4) October 13, 1967. Mike joined the Anderson Fire Department in February 1969, and had a 34-Year career as a rescue firefighter. He was a member of AFD’s first Emergency Medical Technician class, and was on the scene with Rescue 1, and later, Rescue 2 for many years until his retirement. Although he helped many people in emergency situations and was a recipient of American Legion awards for heroism, Mike thought little of these, telling his kids, “I don’t think I should get awards for just doing my job.” Outside the fire department, Mike also was well known in the area for his work as owner of Riggs Service Company, specializing in commercial kitchen equipment installation and repair. Mike was a member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church of Giddings, TX, and was a 4th Degree at the Knights of Columbus. He was previously a parishioner at St. Ambrose Church in Anderson and St. Mary’s in Alexandria. He was also a member of American Legion Post 127 and the 40&8. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Karen; daughter, Penny and her husband Karl Rehn; daughter, Betsy and her husband Cliff Tilbury; his little buddy and grandson, Dusty Michael Tilbury; sister, Sharon Rule; his nieces and nephews; and his fellow fire fighters. He was preceded in death by his children, Terry and Cheriti Riggs; his father, Woodrow Riggs; mother, Barbara Hoover; and brothers, Larry Riggs and Denny Riggs. Mike was one who never met a stranger and was always quick to help anyone in need. He enjoyed volunteering, fishing, NASCAR, being outdoors, and spending time with his grandson. Mike is sadly missed by his family and numerous friends across Indiana and Texas. Visitation will be 1:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday at Brown-Butz-Deidring Funeral Service & Crematory. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 2801 Lincoln St, Anderson, with Father Daniel Shine officiating. Burial will take place at Park View Cemetery in Alexandria. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fire Rescue House of Madison County, 824 West 3rd Street, Anderson, IN 46016.