Donald W. Rigney, 71 | Western News

[ad_1]

Donald W. Rigney, 71, passed to join his maker on July 25, 2021. He was born Aug. 6, 1949, to Stance and Martha Rigney in Waynesboro, Miss. Don married Kay Sudduth on November 26, 1969, and they have been together for over 50 years.

Don is a noble and amazing man. He is an exceptional teacher, homebuilder, a pilot and fond of motorcycle rides, computer technology and his dog Trixie. Don is a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a true friend.

He survived the love of his life, Kay; two daughters, Valerie McAnally (Kent) and Kelli Rigney-Wolfe (Todd); a brother, Stance Rigney Jr .; many grandchildren, Sabrina, Hillary, Jeremiah, and Anna McAnally, Olivia, Garrett and Alli Merryman, Christian and Grace Stanley, Alyssa and April Wolfe, Andrea, Miguel, Daniel, Gabriel Fernandez Rigney, Jack Guarino and Bruno Malacarne; great -grandchildren, Mason, Logan and Michael; selected daughters, Yvette Fernandez (Christian) and Elise Malacarne; and many nephews. He was honored by being chosen to be Grandpa Don for the entire Plank family.

Don started life early looking for others. There isn’t enough space to list all his accomplishments, but for starters: He was active in Christian youth organizations, served as the first ROTC cadet commander at the University of South Alabama and spent 27 years in active military duty, to include being a search and rescue pilot for the U.S. Coast Guard in various parts of the world. Among his many military awards and medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross for saving nine people from a boatboat in the middle of a storm was his most important. Don loves helping people, which led him to become a member of Lincoln County Habitat for Humanity and a mentor to many youth. In the last days of his life and from his hospital bed, Don continued to guide and give life instructions to others.

Don will miss all those who love him and those he loves. He wanted to share his favorite prayer: Dear God, your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing more. Amen.

Services will be held July 29, 2021. Arrangements will be through Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.schnackenberfh.com.

Memorials may be made at Our Kids, 201 California Ave., Libby, MT 59923. Please make checks payable to Tammy Brown. Venmo: Kelli-Wolfe-10.

[ad_2]