Dean Riggs

Harold Dean Riggs, age 78, of Charleston, died December 25, 2025, at his home.

He was born June 8, 1947, in Cape Girardeau, MO, the son of the late Harold Lee Riggs and Clara Mae Johnson Riggs. He lived in Charleston most of his life, where he owned and operated Riggs Auto and Body until his retirement in 2010, when his son Paul Riggs continued ownership and operation as Riggs Automotive.

On April 15, 1965, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Brenda May, who survives at the home.

Other survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Shawnee Riggs; one daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Rick Galemore; grandsons Scotty and Taylor Riggs, Tucker and Maddy Riggs, Matthew Galemore, and Nicolas Galemore; granddaughters Taylor and Coltan Gibbs and Jordan Galemore; great-grandchildren Avery Riggs, Roper Riggs, Mally Riggs, Anna Riggs, Shepherd Gibbs, Bohden Gibbs, and August Gibbs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Clara Riggs, and great-grandson Fletcher Gibbs.

Dean was a faithful follower of the Baptist faith and attended Southside Baptist Church in Charleston and was part of the Brotherhood group.

Family was always first and foremost—not just with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but he extended his love to his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and if you called him friend, you were considered family. He loved fishing, going to the races, gardening, and working with his hands. To know him was to love him.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral hour at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 29, 2025, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.  Rev. Mike McKinney, pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Charleston, will officiate.

Private family burial will follow.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com .