Lafayette Marquette Wiggins

Lafayette Wiggins passed away peacefully on March 1, 2016. He was born in Depew, Oklahoma to Sallie and Marquis De Lafayette Wiggins in 1923. His family relocated to Waco, California when he was a young child

As a young man he went to work for the California Conservation Corps in Vallejo, California. He was drafted into the Army Air Corps during World War II and served later as a Merchant Marine. After his discharge he joined the Laborer’s International Union and worked as a construction laborer on several large construction projects until he retired due to a disability in 1981.

Lafayette remained active and engaged with his community in retirement. He was a faithful member of the Second Baptist Church of Merced for 48 years where he served as chairman of the deacon board; Sunday School teacher; oversaw various ministries, and worked as an usher.

He established his civic commitment to the community through his election to the Winton Water and Sanitary District Board, serving as board president, and through his appointment to the Winton Municipal Advisory Council.

Lafayette was proceeded in death by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy (McMurray) Wiggins; his sisters Betty Jordan and his brothers Lee Wiggins, Elmer Wiggins, Lloyd Wiggins and George Wiggins.

Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Delores Mills; his five children, Karen Allen, Gail Moton, Robin Carter, Tami Daniels and Marque Wiggins; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Sonya Lyttle, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The service will be held at 11 on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Second Baptist Church, 501 Q Street, Merced. Viewing on Friday, March 11, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at the Stratford and Evans Funeral Home. 1490 B Street, Merced.

Donations can be made to the Second Baptist Church Building Fund in the name of Lafayette Wiggins.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.