Thomas “Tom” Clay Riggs, 77, passed away on May 13, 2022 in Derby, KS in the presence of family.
Tom was born on August 21, 1944, to Howard and Frances Riggs in Winfield, KS. He grew up in Winfield, graduating from Winfield High School in 1962. Tom spent time attending Cowley County Community College before eventually attending Southwestern College. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Science in 1969. Tom received his Master of Science in Biology from Emporia State University in 1978.
Tom became a biology teacher after college and taught at Wellington High School from 1969 to 1980. He was always known as a very “cool” teacher. Tom could be found with his trademark afro, bell bottoms, colorful ties, and driving his yellow corvette. Some may also remember his trademark paddle used to keep everyone in line.
On June 7, 1980, Tom married Kathy Ann Hurlburt in Wellington, KS. Together they had two daughters, Nicole Marie, and Jill Frances. Tom and Kathy ventured into business ownership beginning in 1980 with the purchase of Huegel Cleaners which they ran until 2003. In 1988 they opened Wheat Country Laundry and Car Wash. The business has been open and operating for 34 years. Over the last 34 years Tom and Kathy have built, owned, and operated everything from rental properties, storage units, a commercial laundry business, and many other projects. None of this would have been possible without Tom’s amazing mechanical ability. Tom began early working at his father’s service station and his uncle’s appliance repair business. It was there he developed his love of building, fixing, and servicing equipment.
In his spare time, Tom was an avid outdoorsman. He spent time hunting, bird watching, and visiting the mountains in Colorado. Tom also loved photography, taxidermy, bug collecting, and woodworking.
From an early age, Tom loved cars. He particularly loved cars in drag racing. His love grew into different classic cars. Next to his love for Kathy, Tom loved his 1923 T-Bucket Roadster and his 1933 Ford Sedan. Tom and Kathy even had a memorable honeymoon traveling to Memphis, TN in the T-Bucket to the Street Rod Nationals. His love for classic cars will continue in his daughter, Jill. They often enjoyed many car shows, hot rod power tours, and generally driving too fast together.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Frances Riggs.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathy; daughters Nicole (Matt) Bayer of Olathe, KS; Jill (Brandon) Miller of Wellington, KS; sisters Diane (Wayne) Steadham of Winfield, KS; Patricia (Norman) Adams of Redlands, CA; grandchildren Camden and Maddy Weber, Brianna, Jackson, Brooklyn, and Derek Bayer, Corinne, and Gavin Miller.
A come and go celebration of life will take place on June 18, 2022, from 2:00 5:00 p.m. at the Wellington Senior Center. Casual dress requested. Car enthusiasts are welcome to bring their hot rods along. A memorial drag down main street will follow the celebration in honor of Tom. Cremation has been affected. A private burial will be held for family at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wellington Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association of Central and Western Kansas.
Arrangements courtesy of Frank Funeral Home.
