Erik Thomas Rigler

Erik Thomas “Rick” Rigler
April 14, 1943 to April 12, 2025

Born in Dallas, Texas to Texas Ranger Lewis Rigler and Registered Nurse Leah
Machacek Rigler.  Rick graduated from Gainesville High School and North Texas 
State University. At NTSU, he met and fell in love with Judyth Ann “Judy” Wagner. 
They were married in September 1965, and Rick entered the U.S. Navy in
October as an Aviation Officer Candidate.

During his five years as a Navy pilot, Rick and Judy traveled to Pensacola and
Jacksonville, Florida; Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; Catania, Sicily; Norfolk, Virginia;
and Corpus Christi, Texas, where both of their children were born.

Following his Navy service and completion of a master’s degree in criminal corrections,
Rick joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent/Pilot. His 23-year
career included assignments in Quantico, Virginia; Omaha, Nebraska; South Bend,
Indiana; and McAllen and San Antonio, Texas. In addition to investigating cases, Rick
instructed other FBI Agents /Pilots.

After retiring from the FBI, Rick founded G Force, Inc., providing aviation accident
investigations and expert witness testimony in court. Judy retired from her journalism
career to assist in the business and they traveled domestically and internationally for
15 years.

Rick and Judy also enjoyed traveling to military battlefields and cemeteries all over the
world. A highlight was climbing Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima. At their property in the
Manzano Mountains of New Mexico, they hosted Art Camp for Grownups, HawkWatch
International, scouting groups, and family and friends. They enjoyed genealogy and
sharing their findings with family, as well as writing newsletters for old Navy buddies.

Rick also enjoyed hiking, photography and astronomy, first learned in the Navy and
then with renewed interest while living in the mountains with beautiful, star-filled skies.
Rick is survived by Judy, his wife of 59 years, their children Jennifer Rigler and Trevor
Rigler (Jenny Jernigan); grandsons Ezekiel and Ezra Rigler; brothers Steve Rigler
(Connie) and Mike Rigler (Joanna); and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Per Rick’s wishes, there will be no public service; his ashes will be scattered at his
beloved mountain property, with deer, squirrels and birds in attendance.