TORRINGTON – Funeral services for Thomas W. Riggs, 72, were Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at the First Wyoming United Presbyterian Church with Pastor Marty Rostad officiating. Burial will follow in the Valley View Cemetery.
Tom died at his home on Jan. 23, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. Memorials may be made to Shriner Children’s Hospital. Arrangements were under the direction of Colyer Funeral Home and condolences may be sent to www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
Tom was born June 19, 1945, in Scottsbluff, Neb., the son of Wayne and Edna (Debrot) Riggs. He grew up along with his sister Sharon on the family farm near Huntley. He graduated from Torrington High School in 1963 and remained close to many friends from this time of his life.
On Oct. 5, 1968, he married the love of his life, Cheryl Crossley, in Torrington. To this union was born a daughter, Shelly Renae (Scott) Miller and a son, Shawn Thomas (Amie) Riggs. The family lived on the farm until 1990 when they moved to Torrington.
Tom enjoyed his time working for the State of Wyoming as a Consumer Protection Inspector. This job took him to many beautiful remote places in Wyoming, where he met many fascinating people. Tom was always one to stay busy and after retirement from the state he enjoyed bartending, working on his spraying business with his son Shawn and gardening in any form. His hobbies included country dancing with his wife Cheryl, traveling with his family and anything that included his grandchildren, including but not limited to tea parties and dress-up games.
In his lifetime Tom served as treasurer for the Goshen County Predator Board. He was a member of the Morrill Masonic Lodge, as well as secretary and current president of the Torrington Shrine Club. He also served on the Urban Systems Committee under Mayor Mike Varney. Tom was the president of the True Country dance club for many years. He was an active helper to Cheryl in Beta Sigma Phi and especially enjoyed manning the Corn Crib and being an usher at Ladies Night Out. Tom was a great husband, Dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend that never knew a stranger.
Tom is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cheryl; daughter Shelley (Scott) Miller; son Shawn (Amie) Riggs; grandchildren David, Hayden and Ainsley Miller; step-grandchildren Hadden Dykes and Allissa Baker; his sister Sharon King; brothers-in-law Robert (RoseMarie) Crossley and Marvin Schloatman. Tom loved and treasured his many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Wayne and Edna Riggs; father- and mother-in-law Norman and Mary Crossley; brother-in-law Jim King; sister-in-law Betty Schloatman; and infant sons Jeffrey and Joel.
