Donald Ray Riggs

Donald Ray Riggs was born July 21, 1940 and passed from this life on November 24, 2025, at the age of 85. Don was born in Roscoe, Texas, but very quickly was taken to Odessa by his parents C.M. and Mabel Riggs. Don completed high school at the Oklahoma Military Academy for Boys. Upon completion he soon joined the United States Marine Corp where he served mostly in Japan. After his service to his country, Don found himself in Breckenridge, Texas, where he began a 52-year career in the well service drilling and completion business. His career which started in West Texas would take him from here to South Texas, Arizona and then back again to Odessa where he retired at the age of 77.

Though Don did not follow the path of traditional higher education he was a lifelong learner. Working in an industry that constantly changes to improve efficiency and production Don stayed on top of all the latest techniques employed by the oil and gas exploration business. The last 20 years of his career took him down the path of learning the challenges of horizontal drilling. Outside of his career, Don regularly took classes through Liberty and Heritage Universities. He loved broadening his knowledge on the foundational documents of the United States of America. He regularly took Bible courses online. He used this knowledge to lead the adult Bible class on Sunday morning at Bethany Christian Church. Don also found himself in night school at the age of 70 taking an accounting class when he was promoted to vice president of TC Consultants.

When he had the time, Don was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf. Later in life he served on the board for Family Promise, an organization which seeks out candidates who need a chance to stabilize their situation with housing and employment. He also served on the Deacon Board of Bethany Christian Church.

At the age of 46 Don took stock of his life and professed his faith in Jesus Christ. It is for this reason only, not anything he did, that those who love him have real hope that Don is as alive as he has ever been right now.

Don is survived by his wife Lynne Riggs and four sons, Kevin and wife Iris, Kyle and wife Kristi, Quinn and wife Jamie and Kirk and wife Gina. Don was a proud grandfather to 9 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 18 great grandchildren.

Don was proceeded in death by his parents C.M. and Mabel Riggs, his sister Sandra Cox, brother-in-law Doug Cox and nephews Russell Reynolds and Sean Smith.

Family Visitation is planned for Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral Services are scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Chapel, Reverend Dr. Jimmy Braswell officiating with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to Live Well and Visiting Angels as well as the friends and staff on the 8th floor and ICU of Medical Center Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to Bethany Christian Church or Family Promise of Odessa.