Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Elmer C. Rigsby 1919-1986

Elmer C. Rigsby was born at Devils Elbow to Loren Claud and Evialena Rigsby on November 16, 1919 and died at the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics in Columbia, Missouri on October 13, 1986 after a weeks illness.  He would have been 67 years old in a month.

He leaves his wife, Lorraine, of the home and six children: Elmer, Jr. “Bud” of Amarillo, Texas; Gordon and Chris Rowell, Waynesville, Missouri; Lorel Gaffner of Livonia, Michigan; Kathleen Brinson of Barnhart, Missouri; and Merrie Christensen of South Lake Tahoe, California; two sisters: Bernadine Hunt of Springfield, Missouri and Virginia Lee hardy of Monroe City, Missouri.  He has 14 grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; and his mother-in-law, Irma Lemon of Sunset Village.

Elmer lived his whole life in Waynesville, except for a period of government work in St. Louis, Texas, and in the service of his country from December 1944 until December 1945.  He graduated from Waynesville High School in 1937 and attended Southwst Missouri Teachers College in Springfield.  He was a pilot instructor for the Air Corps and Civil Service employee on Fort Leonard Wood for 20 years, retiring in December 1970.  He taught two years in evening classes at the vocational school.

He was a long time member of Waynesville No. 375 A.F. & A.M. Lodge, and Past Master; Past Patron, and member of the O.E.S..  He was also a member of the Pulaski County - Fort Wood Shrine and the Lebanon Chapter 64 RAM and KT.  He was a member of the United Methodist Church.

Elmer was a friend to all and his presence will be greatly missed.

Visitation was held October 15 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. with Masonic services in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services were held Thursday, October 16 at 2:00 p.m. at the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jess Norris officiating.

Escorts were: Elmer Rigsby, Jr., Gordon Rigsby, Willie Rowell, Jay Brinson, Bill Rowell, and Matt Brinson.

Honorary escorts were: John Ichord, Jim Laughlin, Paul Rice, George Lane, Gary Gaffner, and Jack Christensen.

Interment was in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of the Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

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