Norman C. Riggsby

Norman Chester Riggsby, 96, of Medina, Texas passed away peacefully on January, 10, 2022 in Houston, TX. Norman was quick with a smile and a joke. He rarely met a stranger. He had friends far and wide whom he met as an avid Ham Radio operator.  He lived an adventurous life that included service at D-Day during World War II, travel through Europe, and three road trips to Alaska, once crossing into the Arctic Circle. 

Norman was born in Chicago, IL, the second of four boys to Chester Aaron Riggsby and Helen Audrey Riggsby on June 9, 1925.  The family moved to Dearborn, Michigan where Norman attended high school. He opted to enlist with the Army to serve his country in World War II instead of completing his senior year, and obtained a GED. He landed on the beach at Normandy three days before his 19th birthday. During the war he was awarded a purple heart after being critically injured in France. After his recovery in England, he was reassigned as an MP on the Autobahn and a guard at the Nuremberg trials. Following his military service, he returned to California and worked as a civilian contractor at the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.  

In 1955, Norman moved to Houston to finish his Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Houston while employed at Schlumberger.  He retired from Schlumberger in the mid 1970’s and relocated to Medina, Texas.   He enjoyed ranch life retirement to the fullest, volunteering as a clown for Shriners International, joining the Medina Masonic Lodge, connecting daily with his friends on the Ham Radio network, woodworking, and traveling.   Most recently, he had the opportunity to take an Honor Flight with the San Antonio de Valero organization to Washington D.C. and visit France to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day as a guest of the World War II Museum, New Orleans.

He is preceded in death by his parents Chester Aaron Riggsby and Helen Audrey Riggsby, his brothers William and Roger Riggsby.  

He is survived by his brother Caryl Riggsby  of Holmen, WI ; daughter Audrey (Tommy) Thompson of Houston, TX; daughter Debbie (Joseph) Schwan of Gypsum, CO; son Paul (Loretta) Riggsby of Houston, TX; granddaughter Michelle (Jason) Ferrell of Houston; grandson Trey (Lauren) of Houston, TX; Nolan Schwan of Gypsum; CO, Kelsie (Jeremy) Irish of Wesley Chapel, FL; Kendall Riggsby of Bowling Green, KY; Connor Riggsby of Houston, TX; great-granddaughter, Brooke Ferrell; great-grandson, Brayden Ferrell and a host of friends.

Services to celebrate Norman’s life will be held 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Medina United Methodist Church, Medina, TX.   

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Medina United Methodist Church, Medina, TX or Honor Flight San Antonio de Valero, San Antonio TX.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111