Ruel R. Riggs of Jasper

Ruel Riggs of Jasper passed away on July 16, 2023.

He was born in Beaumont, Texas. He attended Beaumont schools and graduated from Beaumont High School. He was proud to be a Texan. In 2019, he and Grace moved to Indiana to be closer to their son.

Ruel was a Quality Assurance Supervisor at Bethlehem Steel. He was a life member of the American Welding Society, where he served as chairman and treasurer for several years. He also administered tests for those wanting to be certified welding inspectors.

After his retirement, he became an active volunteer in the community. His participation included RSVP, cooking and delivering food for Some Other Place, Beaumont Community Players, and Trinity Methodist Church.

Ruel is survived by his loving wife, Grace, of 69 years; his son, Kevin Riggs and wife, Jeri-Lynn, of Petersburg; his beloved grandsons, Pearson Riggs of Pelzer, S.C. and Mitchell Riggs of Coleman, Texas; brother-in-law, Jim Davis of Chester, Va.; also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruel N. and Ethel Riley Riggs; daughter, Kathryn Hutchinson and her husband, Dan; brother, Jerry Riggs and his wife, Jo Ann; and sister, Janis Davis.

Ruel was a kind and generous man who gave freely of his time and talent. He touched every person in his life and will be greatly missed by all.

There will be a graveside service at Magnolia Cemetery in Beaumont. Texas, at a date and time to be announced later.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Ruel may contribute to Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Ave., Beaumont. TX 77706 or Some Other Place, 590 Center St. Beaumont, TX 77701.