William Leroy Riggs

Leroy graduated from East High School, where he was a standout athlete in both football and baseball. After high school he went to work with his father on the Frisco Railroad, where he would continue to work for the entirety of his career, taking a brief stint to serve his country by enlisting in the Marine Corps. He proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, being awarded two Purple Hearts before retiring from service and returning home to his daughter and resuming his career at the Frisco Railroad.

He dedicated many late nights working on derailed trains and always answered the call. He also had the joy of sharing the railroad with his family, often bringing his wife, daughter and son, as well as grandkids eventually, to see the trains and the work he did. His favorite time of year was when the circus came to town and he got to assist in helping transport the animals with care and in return he received tickets to take his young granddaughter to the circus, creating family memories to cherish forever. He loved the railroad and the men and women he worked with more than he likely could have foreseen when he began his position at the young age of 17. BNSF became his second family and home, where he spent 40+ years, retiring as the Lead Carman in 2011. Leroy's work ethic and dedication to the railroad was unmatched, gaining him the respect of anyone who had the privilege of working with him.

Leroy’s greatest achievement though was being a husband to his wife, Sandy, of 47 years. Together they not only raised a family, they created a life full of laughter, love, and loyalty. He was also an extremely proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His first purpose in life was to ensure his family was taken care of in any way they needed. Instilling his drive, work ethic, and goal to be the best in his family was the core of his being.

Throughout his life he enjoyed the highs and lows of his favorite sports teams, the Royals and the Chiefs. On any given Sunday, you could find him watching a game, but if he wasn't, you can guarantee NASCAR was on the tv. He never missed a race and often was in a competition with a group of fellow race-loving friends to see whose drivers had the best season and who would win the season prize! In addition to being a sports fanatic, Leroy enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and welding. There was simply nothing he couldn't fix himself.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and his beloved daughter. He is

survived by his wife, sister, brother, son, three grandkids, and two great grandchildren, as well as their respective families.

In his final weeks of life, Leroy was visited and surrounded by family, loved ones, and cherished caregivers. His family would like to express immense gratitude to his caregivers and nurses, whom will never be forgotten and cannot be thanked sufficiently for the care and compassion they provided.

William Leroy Riggs was an incredible man who touched the lives of more than can be counted. He was truly a one-of-a-kind, stand-up man. He will be missed by many, and his memory will be cherished by his family and all those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Leroy’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.