DEWITT T. "SONNY" "JOHN" RIGGINS ~ Class of 1954
April 28, 1935 - November 20, 2008

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DeWitt T. Riggins "Sonny" "John", age 73, of Whitstran, passed away suddenly on November 20th, 2008 at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Fredericksburg, Virginia on April 28, 1935 to Talmage Richard and Eugia Marie Sullivan Riggins.

After moving to the Tri-Cities after the beginning of World War II, he grew up in Richland and graduated from Columbia High School in 1954. He entered the Marine Corps in 1957 and served four years. After his discharge, he worked different jobs until he began working patrol at Hanford in 1960. He retired in 1996.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Rose Marie Riggins of Whitstran whom he married in Coeur d'Alene, IF in 1975; sisters and brothers-in-law, Katherine ('60) and John ('58) Richardson of Longwood, FL, Sandra ('63) and Jeff Stroben of Kennewick and Elizabeth "Beth" Riggins of Richland; daughters, Sharon Ann Riggins Tyson of West Richland, and Kathy Lynn Riggins Salmonson of Richland; stepson, Dallas Ayde and his wife, Patricia of Kennewick and stepdaughter, Patricia Maxson of Concord, CA. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; life-long friends, John and Rita Roberts of Benton City and Galen and Mary Buck of Kennewick; and many other friends who were always welcome. Hunting and fishing were the other loves of his life. From Minnows to Salmon ... Ducks to Elk ... He loved it all.

He is deeply loved and will be dearly missed. At his request, no memorial services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oak Creek Feeding Station c/o Prosser Funeral Home, PO Box 409, Prosser, WA 99350.

HAPPY HUNTING JOHN!

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