WILLIAM JUNIOR RIGSBAY

Friday, December 19, 2008

William Junior Rigsbay, age 76, a resident of rural Fort Scott, Kan., died unexpectedly, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, at his home. He was born January 19, 1932, in Parker, Texas, the son of William Zander Rigsbay and Sadie Kenyon Rigsbay.

He had served with the United States Army. William married Joan A. Winters on August 5, 1968, at Ontario, Calif., She preceded him in death on Feb. 7, 2005.

He had worked as a production manager for Kern Equipment in California and later for Klein Products of Kansas. Bill was a member of the Fort Scott Elks Lodge. He enjoyed taking care of his grandchildren as well as playing pool and fishing.

Survivors include three daughters, Sandy Higgins and husband, Gary, of Fort Scott, Teddi Santos, Ontario, Calif. and Laura Smith, Yucipa, California; four grandchildren Matthew William Higgins and Timothy Ryan Higgins, both of Fort Scott, Nick Strigas, Ontario, Calif. and Shana Hayes, Lockport, New York; and several great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are two brothers, Jackie Ribsbay and Albert Rigsbay; six sisters, Annie Medcalf, Lois Ulch, Linda Hawthorne, Geraldine Monolo, Estelle Mangel and Ethel Woodson; and several nieces and nephews including Rocky Hawthorne.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joe Rigsbay.

Rev. Reed Hartford will conduct a memorial service at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, at the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, Kan. 66701.

Words of sympathy may be emailed to the family at condolences@cheneywitt.com.