Lauren A. Rigg, 96, of Defiance died December 10, 2013, at the CHP Defiance in Patient Hospice Center. Born in Holgate, Ohio, on November 25, 1917, a son of Neil and Nellie (Newton) Rigg, he was a proud graduate of the former Florida High School.

On Valentine's Day, 1941, he married Anita F. Russell. They shared 51 wonderful years together until her death in 1992. Lauren worked for the Defiance Dairy Company for 33 years. Throughout most of his career he delivered milk to the communities of Paulding, Payne, Antwerp, and Cecil. Upon his retirement from the dairy, he and Anita spent many happy years buying and selling antiques, and were regulars at the Shipshewana Flea Market in Indiana.

Lauren served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a life-time member of the Veterans' of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed refinishing furniture, taking care of his lawn, spending time with his family, and rooting for Ohio State and the Chicago Cubs and White Sox. Although he traveled extensively, Lauren was always happy to return home to Defiance.

In addition to his loving wife Anita, he was predeceased by his brothers, Harold, Gilbert, and Donald. Lauren is survived by his sons, Gary Lynn and wife Lin of Franklin, North Carolina, Lauren Lee and wife Sandy of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Lyle and wife Sharon of Camden, Maine, and Randy and wife Linda of Tyler, Texas; 17 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. Lauren was especially close to his granddaughter, Anita Mack, who provided him with loving care throughout the later years of his life. He also is survived by his sisters-in-law, Lois Bauer of Findlay, Ohio, and Dorothy Russell of Denver, Colorado.

Visiting hours will be on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. Funeral services will be held on Friday 1:00 pm at the funeral home with the Rev. Tim Yazel officiating. Entombment will follow at the Riverview Memory Gardens, Defiance where members of the Defiance VFW Post 3360 will accord military honors. Memorials are to the Defiance CHP Hospice Center.

Online condolences may be given at www.SchafferFH.com