Former Delaware County Auditor Kent Riggin dies at the age of 85

MUNCIE, Ind. — Former Delaware County Auditor Kent Riggin died March 8. He was 85.

A Republican, Riggin defeated Democrat Jerry Thornburg in 1990 to become county auditor. He held the office for one term, losing re-election to Jack Stonebreaker in 1994.

He had previously ran unsuccessfully for county treasurer in 1988.

Riggin graduated from Royerton High School in 1956. He went to Purdue University in West Lafayette after high school and became a drummer in the Purdue All American Band. He graduated in 1960 and worked in the family business, Riggin's Dairy, until taking office as auditor in 1991.

Survivors include his wife, Judy, and his sister, Sherry Riggin, who serves as a county commissioner.

Donna Patterson, who worked in the auditor's office during Riggin's term, said he was kind and friendly man.

"I felt like he was my boss but also a friend," Patterson said.

Riggin also served as president of the Muncie Jaycees and played in a local band called The Misfits, with Jimmy Carter and Manor Smithson.

Funeral services were Friday in Elm Ridge Funeral Home, 4600 West Kilgore Ave., with pastor Joe Hines officiating. Private burial will follow in Elm Ridge Memorial Park.

David Penticuff is a reporter with The Star Press. He can be reached at dpenticuff@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Former County Auditor Kent Riggin dies: Remembered as "friend'