Tom Riggs

Lowell Thomas (Tom) Riggs, 81, of New Boston, MI died April 10, 2022 peacefully at home after a multi-year battle with bladder cancer and its complications. He was preceded in death by his father Omer J. Riggs, mother Gertrude (Davis) Riggs and older brother John M. Riggs.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Joan (Barany) Riggs, a son William T. Riggs, daughter-in-law Dr. Holle Janeski, daughter Sheri (Riggs) Keys, son-in-law Dean (Dino) Keys, seven grandchildren and two step grandchildren: Jacob, Justin and Joshua Riggs; Madison, Gabriel, Nolan and Peyton Keys; and Bennett and Paige Janeski. Lowell is also survived by a brother William D. Riggs, sister Susan (Riggs) Baron, brother-in-law James Baron and eight nephews and nieces.

Tom was a 1962 graduate of Wayne state University and taught Science and Physical Education in the Lincoln Park, MI school system for 37 years. He spent most of his younger years living in Lincoln Park (primarily), Southgate, Taylor and Allen Park.

He was an excellent baseball player making the varsity baseball team as a freshman – a rare accomplishment in 1954. In 1956, he was a member of the Lincoln Park Babe Ruth All-Star team that won the state of Michigan championship (but lost in the national playoffs). In his senior year at Lincoln Park, he batted over .400 and set the record for stolen bases that stood for many years.

Tom played three years of varsity baseball at Wayne State from 1960 to 1962, again batting over .400 in his senior year. After receiving his B.S. degree, he taught science at Huff Junior High in Lincoln where he met and married Joan Barany. When Huff was closed, he moved to Lincoln Park High and taught Physical Education until his retirement in 1999.

Visitation 1:00pm - 8:00pm Tuesday, April 12 at Weise Funeral Home, 7210 Park, Allen Park (313-382-1150).

Funeral service 11:00am Wednesday, April 13 (In state from 10:30am) at the Allen Park Presbyterian Church, 7101 Park, Allen Park.