Robert D. Riggins

Robert D. Riggins, 83, of Coal Valley, Illinois, died Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at home surrounded by his family.

Private family services will be held. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, under the direction of Trimble Funeral Home, Coal Valley. Burial will be in Peniel Cemetery, Joy, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gathering QC, 677 Avenue of the Cities, #322, East Moline, IL 61244.

Robert Dean Riggins was born September 1, 1936, in Elmer, Missouri, the son of Clarence “Banjo” and Hazel (Morris) Riggins. He graduated from Aledo High School and went on to serve for four years in the U.S. Air Force, spending more than half of that time at Albrook Air Force Station in Panama.

He married Donna Dunn, with whom he had two daughters before the couple divorced. He then married Janice Louck Armstrong on July 2, 1967, in Joy. He worked for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local #150, retiring after 30 years.

Bob spent a lot of time in his younger years as a pilot, camping, and catching up on local news at the Maid Rite in Coal Valley. He enjoyed going to the casino. He will be remembered as a great storyteller. Above all else, family was the most important thing to Bob, and he loved watching his children and grandchildrens’ sporting events.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 53 years, Janice; two daughters, Rose (Jeff) Fugate of Milan, Illinois, and Barbara (Robert) Nicol of Blue Grass, Iowa; a son, Robert K. Armstrong of Rock Island; eight grandchildren, Michael (Sarah) Williamson, Heather Williamson, Matthew (Martina) and Shane (Lucy) Nicol, Kareena Raza, Emily (Ryan Hudkins) Armstrong, Mahaila Armstrong, and Robert J. Armstrong; eight great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Cooper, Elana, Adrian, Aliyah, Adam, Alex, and Alexi; siblings, Fern Farmer of New Mexico, Karen (Larry) Hartman of Milan, Jerry (Nancy) Riggins of Georgia, and Dale (Sandra) Riggins of Moline; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-son, William Todd Armstrong; a son-in-law, Joe Williamson; a daughter-in-law, Julie Armstrong; a grandson, Charles Nicol; and a great-granddaughter, Araceli Canales-Armstrong.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.