Franklin E. “Gene” Riggins, Sr., 87, Centralia, KS, died late Saturday afternoon, April 3, 2004, at Life Care Center in Seneca.

He was born March 10, 1917, in Scandia, KS, the son of Roy and Mamie Eastman Riggins. Gene grew up in Jamestown, KS, and graduated from high school there in 1935. He attended Wichita State where he played halfback on the varsity football team. Gene enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He served in the communications division as a telegrapher on the amphibious force command ship USS Appalachian AGC1 in the South Pacific until 1946 when he was discharged.

On June 10, 1946, he married Mildred A. “Millie” Broz in Pine City, MN. They moved to Centralia where Gene was employed by the Missouri Pacific Railroad at the depot as a telegrapher. He retired in the early 1980s. Gene had a farm where he kept cattle and did gardening. His wife Millie preceded him in death on February 27, 2000.

His memberships include the First Congregational Church and the Armstrong-Moyer Post #216 of the American Legion in Centralia, and the Masonic Lodge #39 A. F. & A.M for over 60 years in Seneca.

Gene encouraged his sons to participate in all sports and was their avid fan throughout their high school, college, and professional careers. He and Millie liked to travel, and often attended his ship reunions in San Diego. Besides reading, he also enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially with his sons.

Survivors are three sons, Frank Riggins, Jr. of Vienna, VA, John Riggins of New York City, and Bill Riggins of Bucyrus, KS; and 5 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1 PM Wednesday at the First Congregational Church at Centralia. Burial will be in the Centralia Cemetery with military honors by a detail from Fort Riley and the local American Legion. Family will meet with friends from 7 to 8 PM Tuesday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for the Centralia Library or for the American Cancer Society, and sent in care of the family.