Lester Rigsby

Funeral services for Lester Vern Rigsby will be held 2:00 pm Thursday, January 15, 2009 in the Sanctuary of the Westport Baptist Church.'  Rev. Dale Gowdy will be officiating and burial will follow in the Sinnett Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.' '  Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home on Friday, January 14, 2009 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm or online at www.chapman-black.com Lester was born April 5, 1926 the son Grover and Mathilda Marie (Peterman) Rigsby.'  As a young man Lester began his education at the Rigsby School that his father and uncle built.'  Lester completed his education and returned to help his family on the farm for a short time.'  He later began working at National Tank in West Tulsa and worked there for several years.'  Mr. Rigsby was united in marriage to Betty Lou Minix in Cleveland, Oklahoma on June 17, 1950 at the First Baptist Church.'  The couple established their initial home in Sand Springs and then later purchased a home in Tulsa.'  Lester then accepted a position with Frisco Railroad as a switchman.'  In 1976, Lester and Betty purchased their current home in the Westport area where they have continued to reside.'  He later retired from Burlington Northern-Santa Fe in the 1980ís. After Lester retired he still remained active.'  He enjoyed ranching, tending to his cattle, cooking, and taking care of his dogs.'  There is one thing that Lester was well known for.'  When you shook his hand you knew that it would definitely be a ìFirmî grip.'  Lester also enjoyed watching western movies as well as spending time with his family.'  Lester was a devoted member of the Westport Baptist Church for many years. Lester went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Monday, January 12, 2009 at the age of 82 in Owasso, Oklahoma. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers Grover Rigsby, Albert Rigsby, two sisters Emma Fletcher and Dorothy Findley. Survivors include his loving wife of over 58 years Betty of the home, three children David V. Rigsby and his wife Laurie of Highland Village, Texas, Rhonda K. Sheldon and her husband Richard of Catoosa, Oklahoma, Timothy J. Rigsby and his wife Shannon of Glen Burnie, Maryland, one sister Tryphena Leverett of Keystone, Oklahoma, eight grandchildren Jason, Alissa, Lucas, Sean, Megan, Joseph, Ashley, Audrey; five great grandchildren Sydnee, Erin, Cole, Trenton, Rylie as well as a host of other relatives and friends.'