John Riggs Jr. March 22, 1952 - July 30, 2026

John Riggs Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026. John was born on March 22,1952, to John Riggs Sr. and Lucille Ben Riggs in Leupp, Arizona. John spent most of his childhood in Parker, Arizona. During his school years, he also lived in Salt Lake City, where he attended junior high, and in Compton, California, where he graduated from Dominguez High School.

John served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest Indian Mission. He loved sharing the gospel with the Navajo people in his native language and fondly told stories of his mission throughout his life.

John attended Brigham Young University, where he met the love of his life, Debra. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 6, 1976. John passed away just one week shy of what would be their 50th wedding anniversary. Together, they had four children and raised two of their grandchildren.

John was a talented welder and spent most of his career working in cement production. When driving past buildings with his family, he would proudly say, “I helped make that cement.” John also enjoyed many hobbies. He was a gifted woodworker who filled his home with beautiful handmade furniture. He enjoyed silversmithing, fishing, traveling, and cheering for BYU sports—but more than anything, he loved spending time with his family. Above all, John loved his family with his whole heart, and they loved him just as deeply.

John is survived by his wife, Debra; his children, Melissa (Sean Clegg) Riggs, Rebecca (Robert) Mehl, Bryan (Melanie) Riggs, and Amy Riggs; his grandchildren, Celeste, Christian, Chelsea, Kaitlin, Camryn, Jake, Nick, Eli, Scott, Mark, Travis, and Brooklyn; and his great-grandchild, Lucille. He was preceded in death by his father, John; his mother, Lucille; and his grandson, Benjamin John.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 780 West 500 South in Payson, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Payson City Cemetery, 400 North 800 East, Payson, Utah at 2:00 p.m.

John will forever be remembered for his kindness, generosity, strong work ethic, and love for his Savior. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family through the small, everyday moments that together formed his legacy of love.

Naaʼahiiltsáaji, God nihił hóloo doo

God Be with You Until We Meet Again

We Love You Dad!