Aidan Grant Riggle, age 18, of Howard, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus.
Born on August 14, 2007, Aidan was loved and cherished from the moment he arrived until his last breath on earth. He lived his life trying to do the right thing for others and become the best version of himself each day. He was passionately dedicated to his family, his teammates, and his friends.
A member of the National Technical Honors Society in school, a valued lifeguard for the Apple Valley community, and a co-captain for the East Knox Bulldogs football team, Aidan was an example of what hard work could accomplish.
Aidan’s love of all things Batman began as a young boy and continued throughout life. He pursued the values of justice and truth in his life, looking out for those in need of protection (things that made him an amazing big brother and friend). He sought to make others feel important, even at a sacrifice to his own comfort.
Though he enjoyed playing sports like soccer, baseball, and basketball as a younger athlete, football quickly became his favorite in 8th grade and his desire to improve changed his entire outlook on life. He became dedicated and determined in the gym and on the field which led him to 4 years of varsity football and to be voted as one of the team captains his senior year.
Aidan loved weightlifting, playing football and basketball, building complicated Lego sets, the beach, collecting Batman memorabilia, watching movies, political and religious debates, family Disney World trips, hanging with his friends, and good food. He loved music and could be found most times of the day or night listening to anything from 70’s rock, to 80’s pop, rap, and alternative music. His sarcastic humor and witty retorts will be so greatly missed as will his goofy ideas and bone crushing hugs to his brothers and family.
Dealt with the devastating blow of a diagnosis of lung cancer on his 18th birthday, Aidan immediately channeled the fear that accompanied it into hope and the will to fight as hard as he could. Throughout it all Aidan handled himself with strength, perseverance, and grace. His faith carried him through a daily struggle with excruciating pain that he didn’t let most people see.
Aidan will always be remembered as a treasured son, an adored brother and cousin, a cherished grandson and nephew, and a faithful friend and teammate to many.“
Aidan is survived by his parents, Jim and Kristen (Yerxa) Riggle, two brothers, Benton and Sawyer Riggle; maternal grandparents, Wayne and Gloria Yerxa; paternal grandmother, Dorothy Riggle; uncle, Mark (Rindi) Yerxa; aunt, Kelly (Kevin) Yerxa-Lauth; cousins, Cadence, Ashton, Avria, Anna, and Amelia Yerxa, Maura, Rona, and Zaeva Lauth.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, James Riggle Sr.
A Celebration of Life Service for Aidan will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026 – 5:30 PM at Hodges Chapel of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Casual attire is requested as we gather to celebrate Aidan’s life.
The Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the Riggle family suggests donations be sent to:
East Knox Athletic Boosters
PO Box 15
Howard, OH 43028.
To express a condolence or to leave a message to the Riggle family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: The Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com