Lt. Colonel David K. Riggs, age 81 of Glen Carbon, IL, born November 12, 1939 in Fort Riley, KS, passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021 at his residence.

David was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother who was always able to offer a helping hand or caring hug when it was most needed.

He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, an Olmsted Scholar, and decorated combat Veteran. He made a career of serving his country in the United States Army, retiring after 24 years of service. He served multiple tours in Southeast Asia earning the Combat Infantry Badge and taught at both West Point and the Command and General Staff College. In the course of his military service, he earned the Bronze Star (5 awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), an Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Gallantry Cross with Palm from the Republic of Viet Nam.

David enjoyed collecting military miniatures, a hobby he developed as a child. He loved dogs, children, and travel, and he never tired of chasing golf balls. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family - the whole extended bunch of them!

David was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Scott and Phillis (nee Symmonds) Riggs; and two brothers: Scott and Tom.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean M. (nee McCulla) Riggs; whom he married June 7, 1962; two sons: David (Marie Caulfield) Riggs of Bethesda, MD and Alan (Margaret Rombach) Riggs of Swansea, IL; three grandchildren: Callum, Alexis and Devlin; his foster grandson Tom; and his brother, Robert Riggs.

Upon his request, David will be cremated and a private memorial service will be held at a date and time to be announced later. He will be buried with full military honors in the West Point Cemetery at West Point, NY.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mutts with a Mission muttswithamission.org or Help Heal Veterans healvets.org .