HOWARD LEE RIGGIN, 75, of Crisfield, died Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at McCready Memorial Hospital in Crisfield.

Born in Crisfield April 4, 1935, he was a son of the late Howard James and Sadie Mason Riggin.

He was the owner of the former Ward's Crossing Market in Crisfield from 1976 until his retirement in 1988. Formerly, he was manager at the ACME and Meatland Grocery Stores in Crisfield. He will also be fondly remembered as owner and operator of Crisfield's only ice cream truck which he drove for many years.

A US Army veteran, he was a life member of the Stanley Cochrane American Legion Post #16 and the Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044. He was a charter member of Great Hope Golf Course in Westover and the former Crisfield Jaycees. He was also a member of the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce and attended Asbury United Methodist Church in Crisfield. In his younger years, he was an avid baseball player for the Central Shore Baseball League.

A family man who loved having a good time, Howard Lee enjoyed family get-togethers and watching his grandkids play sports. He loved the water, Crisfield, playing golf, trips to Old Island with his kids in the good 'ole days, and drinking his morning coffee at Brick Kiln with his daughter. He was a wonderful man who will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jane Sterling Riggin of Crisfield; four daughters, Barbara Jane Ernst of Crisfield and John Ernst of Freeland, MD, Lee Ann Flaherty and husband Steve of Crisfield, Lisa Gaye Owens and husband Arzie of Salisbury, and April Lynn Tyler and husband Darrell of Marion Station; nine grandchildren, Annie Lynn Ernst of Butler, MD, Elizabeth Ann "Liz" Ernst of Annapolis, MD, Jonathan Teage Ernst of Freeland, Courtney Jane Flaherty of Crisfield, Kevin Brooks Flaherty of Crisfield, Chad Riggin Owens and wife Kelly of Greenville, SC, Catherine Alice "Katie" Owens of Washington, DC, Adrienne Lee Tyler of Marion Station and Darrell Brett Tyler of Marion Station; two sisters, Elestine Pope of Decatur, Georgia and Jeanette Morgan of Crisfield; his brothers-in-law, David Sterling and George "Junie" Marshall; his sister-in-law, Geneva Riggin; his special friends, Sandy and Larry Marshall of Crisfield; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Irene Walston, Ralph "Sonny" Riggin, Earl "Toots" Riggin and John Riggin.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 15, 2010 at 2 PM at Asbury U. M. Church in Crisfield. The Rev. Sally Russum will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Sunnyridge Memorial Park. Friends may call Thursday from 6-8PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are requested to be sent to Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad, LSCARS, P.O. Box 406 or Asbury U.M. Church General Fund, 3380 Lawsonia Road, both Crisfield, MD 21817.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com