James David Riggle

James David “Dave” Riggle, age 83, of New Philadelphia, passed away early Tuesday evening, November 27, in New Dawn Retirement Center at Dover.
Born October 28, 1929, at Dover, he was a son of the late Earl Connor and Arta R. Bair Riggle.
A 1948 graduate of New Philadelphia High School where he played Quaker Football, Dave, as he was known to family and friends, entered the United States Marine Corps, serving in Korea until his honorable discharge on Christmas Eve, 1953.
He returned to the Tuscarawas Valley to his wife, the former Iva Ruth McIlvaine, whom he had wed prior to entering the service on June 11, 1949. Together with his brother Lorence, Dave co-owned the former Tuscarawas Poultry Company, which was founded by their father, Earl. The business was sold in 1986.
A lifelong member of New Philadelphia’s First United Methodist Church Dave and Iva enjoyed square dancing and belonged to several square dance clubs. Dave enjoyed playing golf, but found his greatest joy in spending time with his wife and children who fondly recall long afternoon drives throughout eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and northern West Virginia, often for no other reason than to travel together for lunch. He and Iva traveled extensively throughout the United States and the Caribbean.
He’ll be remembered by his family as a “saint with an ornery streak”, by his friends as a kind and gentle man, and by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for his singing of an off-key version of “You Are My Sunshine”.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, Iva, of 63 years, include a son, Dennis (wife, Joyce) Riggle of Richmond, Virginia, and his daughter, LuAnn Horn of Dover.
He’ll be sadly missed by six grandchildren; Tiffany (Kurtis) Roberts of Kensington, OH, Rebecca (Corey) McCahill of New Philadelphia, Melinda Horn of New Philadelphia, Timothy (Diane) Riggle of Richmond, VA, Melanie Krause of Dover and Michelle Police of Charleston, SC.
A brother, Lorence (wife, Judy) Riggle of Dover, 11 great-grandchildren, one additional great-grandchild due to be born next month, and many nieces and nephews, complete the family.
In addition to his parents, Dave is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Milford Horn.
Friends are invited to call Thursday from 4 until 7 in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where the Rev. Dr. Steven R. Bailey will lead Mr. Riggle’s funeral Friday morning at 10:30 in the funeral home’s chapel.
Burial will follow in New Philadelphia’s Evergreen Burial Park. Following the committal service a luncheon reception will be served in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia funeral home.
Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family and light a candle in memory of Mr. Riggle by visiting the funeral home’s website.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia OH 44663, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.