Donald D. “Judge” Riggs, 90, of Conway Springs, passed away Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at Spring View Manor, Conway Springs.

Don was born June 18, 1933, west of Conway Springs to Charley Ruben Riggs and Ethel Viola (Gibson) Riggs. He attended the McKibben rural school northwest of Conway Springs, and Conway Springs High School where he graduated with the class of 1951. Don continued his education at Friends University while working at Industrial Uniform Company in Wichita. He soon became employed as a timekeeper for Cessna Aircraft in March of 1953.

Don was drafted into the U.S. Army on July 15, 1953, where he served his country stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on May 19, 1955, and returned to college and to Cessna Aircraft in Wichita.

Don was united in marriage to Doris Imogene Gilges on July 29, 1955, at the First Christian Church in Conway Springs. They made their first home in Wichita. In 1964, they moved to Derby before returning to the farm west of Conway Springs in 1968.

Don received the title of “Judge Riggs” when elected as the police judge of Conway Springs in 1964. He was later appointed as municipal judge for the City of Conway Springs in 1972 and served the local court for many years. In 1984, Don also was appointed municipal judge for the City of Argonia. He was later certified by the Kansas Supreme Court in 1990.

Don farmed for 20 years west of Conway Springs. He and Doris moved into town in August of 1994 to 108 S. Highland. Don retired as a senior manufacturing engineer from Cessna Aircraft after 47 years of dedicated employment in 2000.

Don was a member, elder and active committeeman of the First Christian Church, Conway Springs. He was a member of Mistletoe Lodge #269 A.F. & A.M., where he served as master for seven terms. Don also was a member of Chapter 94 Royal Arch Masons, where he served as high priest for 20 years. He was a member of A. Tom Kirk Post #265 American Legion, serving in several capacities and participating in Memorial Day services at Conway Springs Cemetery for many years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Norman Ray Riggs; two brothers, Ralph Riggs and Charles Riggs; one sister, Mary Jane Light; and his daughter-in-law, Lorie Riggs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Doris Riggs; one son, Scott Riggs of Wellington; three grandsons, Cody (Alicia) Riggs, Jessie (Marvin Magdangal) and Jarod (Tristan) Riggs; three great-grandsons, Avery, Gideon, and Liam; special adopted relatives, the Howard family; and a number of other relatives and many friends.

Funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Methodist Church, Conway Springs. Interment will follow in Conway Springs Cemetery, Conway Springs.

Ebersole Mortuary, Conway Springs, is in charge of arrangements. Online guest book and condolences are available at www.ebersolemortuary.com.

A memorial has been established with the First Christian Church, Conway Springs.