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Obituary Detail

November 04, 1975 February 02, 2021
November 04, 1975 -- February 02, 2021

Marcus Wiggins, Age:45

Marcus James Wiggins was born on November 4, 1975, in Richland, Washington, and went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with his loving and devoted wife, Jacqueline (Jackie), and family by his side, on February 2, 2021.  Marcus is survived by his loving wife, Jackie, his son, Ryan Wiggins, serving in the U.S. Air Force in Phoenix, Arizona, his son, Mason Wiggins graduating high school in June 2021 of Hamilton, Montana, their "fur babies”, Annie, Rasko, Zekie, and Emma, his Mother, Jacki McKinney and her husband Rick of Clarkston, Washington, his Grandma Roberta Shipman of Clarkston, Washington, his step-dad Rick Allen of Benton City, Washington, loving Mother and Father in-law, Richard & Denise Compton of Gainesville, Texas, his brother, Jimmy Allen and his wife, Jennifer, step-brother Gabe Allen and his wife Christy, step-brother Chris Gilliam and his wife Christal, step-sister Tammi Farris and her husband, Walt.  Aunts and Uncles, Deana & Fred Groth, Terry & Greg Shipman, Martha Shipman, Lisa & Scott Compton and family, and Rebecca & Matthew Compton, numerous cousins, extended family, and countless friends. Marcus is preceded in death by his father, Grady Wiggins, grandfather Jimmie Shipman, grandmother Estella Wiggins, and grandfather Grady Wiggins, Sr.  Marcus touched many lives over the years and will be missed greatly as he lived a legacy and continues to have his written.

Marcus enjoyed growing up in Washington state and his love for the outdoors, as he loved playing in the dirt, riding bikes with friends, and especially fishing. Marcus' Mom, Jacki, took Marcus fishing at the age of 5 at Bateman's Island, and the look of excitement on his face when he caught his first fish was priceless. As Marcus continued to grow , his love for fishing also continued to grow, and he developed a new interest; baseball. At the age of 9, Marcus began playing baseball in the "Minors" in the local baseball league, and by age 10, was promoted to the "Majors" based on his ability, which normally was reserved for players 12 years or older.  It was during this time of development, the Lewis Clark State College baseball team took Marcus and his brothers under their wing, and a chance meeting at the NAIA College World Series also held in Lewiston, Washington with John Olerud, who later played in the Major Leagues, enhanced Marcus' development.  Marcus enjoyed school through these years, and during his Senior Year at Lewiston High School, his baseball team began a journey in which the phrase, "Refuse to Lose" began and ultimately led to a state championship for Marcus' team.  This same phrase, would ultimately become a life motto for Marcus.

Marcus and Jackie met in September 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on plentyoffish.com while both residing in Las Vegas, Nevada.  After a time of courtship, Marcus and Jackie were married on March 6, 2010, at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, celebrating with family and friends.  During their marriage, a deep and unconditional love was established and developed between Marcus and Jackie, based on their relationship with and in the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Marcus and his sons, Ryan and Mason, continued to lovingly and be intimately involved in each other's lives along with Jackie by each of their sides, and these deep bonds continue. Marcus and Jackie have always been and continue to be proud of both Ryan and Mason for the young men they are and who they will become steeped in their relationships with the Lord.  Marcus and Jackie lived in Las Vegas, Nevada as Marcus served his country in the U.S. Air Force and Jackie taught art to Middle School and Elementary students.  After being transferred to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, and retiring from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of faithful service, the couple initially settled in Sanger, Texas, later planting deep roots in Denton, Texas. 

Marcus enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in May 1996 and served his country faithfully in various roles through deployments to Korea, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Afghanistan, and various posts in the United States, working his way to the rank of Master Sergeant.  Marcus worked on both the F-16 fighter jet and F-22 Raptor doing testing on the latest technology.  Marcus was very proud of his service in the U.S. Air force and his knowledge of the F-22.  After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Marcus worked for Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas continuing his work on the F-22 as an Aircraft Maintenance Support Engineer until his health declined to the point where could no longer work in 2019.  

After Marcus was diagnosed with cancer, he continued to enjoy his love of bass fishing into 2020, but in particular, cherishing his time with his wife, Jackie, his sons, Ryan and Mason, along with other close family and countless friends.  Marcus played soccer and baseball with both his sons, Ryan and Mason, and this spoke directly his commitment, his love for them, and desire to continue to his fight for his family.  Marcus' continued to live out the "Refuse to Lose" campaign established back in high school during his baseball team's state championship run.  His arms and his heart were always open and accessible to Jackie, his family, and friends, and his church; the impact on our lives will be the legacy he leaves to all who come in contact with those of who have known Marcus and given the honor of loving him as they continue with him in our hearts.  Our grief cannot be explained. Thankfully, it is held by a Holy God who loves us all. A list of who Marcus impacted would be too exhaustive to write. But, if you are reading this in any form…know YOU are on his list as someone he deeply loves. What a blessing to know and love Marcus! So, to honor Marcus: live his legacy-love large with open arms.  "When Worry Ends, Faith Begins."