Charshel Alanzo Rigdon, 78, of Hartford, passed away at 9:28 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, at Rosewood Care Center in Alton.
He was born Oct. 3, 1937, in Pinckneyville, Ill., a son of the late James Alanzo and Beulah Mae (Mitchell) Rigdon. He married Jean Rigdon on March 20, 1960, in South Roxana and she survives. He retired in 1993 from the Labors Local No. 338 in Wood River after 40 years of dedicated service as a laborer. He had proudly served his country with the United States Navy for four years. He was a member of the Hartford Civic League and was always tending to his manicured yard. He enjoyed his days of boating, hunting, fishing and woodworking and cherished his poodle, Angel. Charshel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and foster parent and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Gina and husband, Ben Lewis, of Hartford, and Diana Rigdon and fiancé, William Spencer of Bethalto; a son, John Thomas “John Boy” Burney Rigdon of Hartford; two granddaughters, Leah Marie and husband, Thomas Thompson of Roxana and Amber Stewart and fiancé, Chad Hancock of Alton; three great-grandchildren, Ciera Hancock, Autumn Abbacchi and Landon Hancock; two brothers, Clarence and wife, Judith Rigdon, and James “Earl” and wife, Beth Rigdon; three sisters, Doris Hood, Carolyn Seigel and Debbie Herzog; numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Billy Burney Rigdon; two brothers, Leroy Rigdon and Stanley Rigdon; and two sisters, Iona Richardson and Jenny Williams.
In celebration of his life, a memorial visitation will be 4 p.m. until time of memorial service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016, at Pitchford Funeral Home, 2555 Vaughn Road in Wood River with the Rev. Art Hooper officiating. Memorials may be made to the Rigdon Family and may be accepted at the funeral home.
Online guestbook available at pitchfordfuneralhome.com.