Bob Riggs

George Robert "Bob" Riggs

Bob Riggs, of Chickasha, Oklahoma, formerly of Springville, California, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 7, 2021, at his home in Chickasha, at the age of 96.

He was born December 14, 1924 in Inola, Oklahoma to Burnal and Mary (Carothers) Riggs.  When he was 5 years old and his only brother Charles was 7, the family moved from Oklahoma to California.

His great uncle was Lynn Riggs of Claremore, Oklahoma who wrote the original screenplay "Green Grow the Lilacs", which later became the play "OKLAHOMA!".

Bob was elected Student Body President his senior year at Narbonne High in Lomita, CA.  He was a star athlete and held national records in various sports for 30 years, before those records were broken.

After graduating from high school, Bob was drafted.  He was a proud veteran and served in the United States Army until the end of World War II.

In 1946 Bob married Cosia Smithen (formerly of the Hawkins Community near Alex, OK).  The Smithen family had also moved from Oklahoma to California.  After 70 devoted years of marriage she preceded him in death in 2016 as a result of Alzheimer's.

Bob was a selfless, caring family man and cared for his aging parents, his mother-in-law, and his wife.  He took it upon himself to always help others and put everyone else first without question.

Bob was an avid golfer and was fortunate to retire in his late 50's.  At age 77, he moved from the family home in Lomita, CA (a suburb of Los Angeles), to a golfing community where he enjoyed golfing at every opportunity.  He and his wife chose a home directly on the 14 ^th green.

He is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Kerrin Riggs, of Chickasha, OK;

son, George Robert Riggs, Jr. ("Bobby"), and wife Minshan, of Monterey, CA;

two grandsons, Robert Riggs and Carl Riggs;

niece Carla Smithen ("Little One"), of Chickasha, OK;

sister-in-law Gloria Thomas of Simi Valley, CA;

and numerous family and close friends.  He is also survived by special furry friends, Scruffy and three cats: Taj, Charcoal ("Black"), and Squeeker.

Some Things to Know About Bob Riggs:

He loved Pepsi

Loved the game of golf

Enjoyed a good cigar

Never turned down a piece of pie

Was a very good manager

Always answered the phone "Yello!"

Wonderful letter writer

Enjoyed Tuesday nights at Arturo's, a Mexican restaurant with his dear friends Dick ("Richard") and wife Alyce

Big Laker fan

Loved his wife

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your favorite animal charities.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sevier Funeral Home, Chickasha, OK.