Lawrence Earl Riggs

Lawrence Riggs, 94, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville on Thursday, March 24, 2016. He had been a resident there for about four years.

Lawrence Earl Riggs was born in Princeton, MO, on March 15, 1922, the son of Orda and Hazel (Clapham) Riggs, who preceded him in death. He was reared in Putnam County, MO, and graduated from Lucerne High School. Lawrence married Mary Fitzwater in Pollock, MO, on April 8, 1944, and she preceded him in death on May 23, 2010. Lawrence and Mary lived and farmed in western Putnam County for the first 21 years of their married life. They moved to Unionville in 1965 and Lawrence became a school custodian with the Unionville schools, a position he held for 23 years, retiring in 1988.

Lawrence and Mary liked to travel in their retirement years. They enjoyed going to the state of Washington, to Colorado, and to New York. Lawrence could often be seen taking walks around town. He had a quiet, easy going spirit and was a positive person to be around. Lawrence and Mary were solid citizens, the kind that make a community a nice place to live. Lawrence was kind and gentle and was never heard to say an unkind word about anyone. He lived a simple life that impacted others. Lawrence was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Unionville, MO.

Lawrence is survived by twin sons, Jack (Shirley) Riggs of Independence, MO, and Jerry (Carolyn) Riggs of Kansas City, MO. His five grandchildren are Sara Kerby, John Riggs, Keith Riggs, Kristopher Riggs, and Jenny Daniels. Eight great grandchildren also survive.

In addition to his wife and parents, Lawrence was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Richard Riggs, and a sister, Veta Hill.

Funeral services for Lawrence Riggs will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 28, 2016. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church in Unionville or the Putnam County Care Center.