Douglas H. Riggs, 63, of WaKeeney, Kansas, passed away on June 9, 2024. Doug was born in WaKeeney, Kansas, on August 3, 1960. He graduated from Trego Community High School in 1978.
Doug was an extraordinary musician. He achieved professional status at the age of 13 when he became the drummer for the Ted Smith Orchestra. In high school, Doug performed with Derby and, more notably, The Johnny Chambers Group. Upon graduating high school, Doug loaded his drums and headed west for Los Angeles. Against all odds, his auditions went very well, and he soon found himself touring the country with Jon Washington, a former member of The Fortunes (Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again). Doug’s next job was with the Carl Dante Band (Carl being a former member of Gary Pucket and the Union Gap). Doug performed with this band live on the Dinah Shore TV show, where he was introduced as “Rocko Riggs.” Soon after, they toured Europe. Back in the U.S., his next band was with Gregg Bell in a group known as The Genetics, which included members who had previously performed with Diana Ross. Doug also performed with “The Dons,” who created songs that were used in soundtracks for movies (including some credited to Disney). Other bands included Secret Life, Love and the Haters, and ThunderBisquit. More recent samples of Doug’s drumming can be found on Facebook, including a live performance at the Riggs family farmyard that garnered 95,000 views (posted by Motofly7).
Doug also enjoyed riding his motocross bike (with reckless abandon) in the San Gabriel Mountains near his home in North Hollywood, California. The bike came with him when he moved back to WaKeeney, and the south pasture bears the scars of his recent adventures. He also enjoyed fishing. He could be seen recently climbing the rocks of the dam at Cedar Bluff Lake. Doug was also a lover of animals. He was a guardian-level member of the ASPCA, and he enjoyed feeding and nurturing stray cats near his home in California. Doug’s charity was also evidenced in one of his last wishes communicated to his family. He asked that his drums NOT be sold but be given to a promising young musician who could not afford to buy them. An organization known as “Hungry for Music” was identified, and his set was collected and is on its way back to the LA area.
Doug is survived by his mother, Carolyn Riggs of WaKeeney, his brother, Matt Riggs, and his wife Iris (Waldschmidt) of Champaign, Illinois, and a niece, Erin Riggs, and husband, Subhonmesh Bose, also of Champaign, Illinois, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Doug was preceded in death by his father, Glen Riggs.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12th, 2024, at the WaKeeney City Cemetery. John Anderson of the Prairie Faith Shared Ministry will be officiating. A reception will follow at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Basement. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to “Hungry for Music” or the charity of your choice. Donations can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home at 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS,67672. Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com.