Marion J. Riggle

Marion J. Riggle, 80, of southern Carroll County, passed away on Monday, August 28, 2017, at his home.

He was born September 15, 1936, in Bringhurst, to Marion D. and Bessie R. Wingard Riggle.  On June 15, 1971, he married Ethel Doke at Clarks Hill United Methodist Church; she survives.

In 1956, Marion graduated from Flora High School where he set track records in the 440 yard dash and received the Honor Award.  He then attended Manchester College.  In the 1950’s, he severed papers for his uncle, Paul Riggle, Justice of the Peace Court in Flora.  For six years, he served in the United States Army Reserve as a Staff Sergeant.

Marion farmed, operated a home milk delivery route, and was past Marshall of Sheridan.  In 1991, he retired from Eli Lilly after 27 years as a security sergeant, fire chief, and locksmith.  Marion owned and operated Riggle Guns and Ammo.  After retiring from Lilly, Marion became Special Deputy Sheriff for Carroll County for 18 years.  He implemented the K-9 Division for Sheriff Lee Hoard, using his own K-9, Beckie, as their first.  Marion also worked with Red, Annie, and Udy.  In 1995, Marion and Beckie earned the Sheriff’s Office Merit Award.  Marion also was an instructor at K-9 Seminars across several states; loving to teach, he instructed programs on tracking and problem solving.    He also served as a Special Police K-9 Officer for Delphi and Reserve K-9 Officer for Flora.

Marion enjoyed target shooting, mushroom hunting, and watching the wildlife.  He was a member of the former Mt. Olivet Methodist Church, N.R.A., and several law enforcement organizations in addition to a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge.  

In addition to his wife, Marion is survived by his son, David A. (Susan) Riggle, of Kentucky; daughter, Dr. Ellen D. Riggle, of Kentucky; special daughter, (Antonia Comer, of Kentucky; one granddaughter, Kristin; one great-grandchild, Austin; three nieces, Amy McCormick, Renae McCormick, and Jennifer Riggle; and nephew, Scott Riggle.

Marion is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Chester; and grandson, Brett.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2017, at Genda Funeral Home Reinke Chapel in Flora, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Funeral service honoring Marion will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 1, 2017, at the funeral home with Pastor Ed Selvidge officiating.  Burial will follow in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Flora with military honors.  Memorials in Marion’s name may be made to Carroll County K-9 Unit.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.