Obituary of Gregory Allen Rigdon

Gregory Allen "Greg" Rigdon passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2014 as a result of injuries received in a refinery fire in Coffeyville, Kansas. This loving husband, son, father and brother was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on November 19, 1957 to Keith and Sonya Rigdon. He graduated from Field Kinley High School in Coffeyville in 1975 and attended the junior college while working at the Co-op. He went on to Kansas State University in Manhattan and earned his bachelor's degree in business in 1979. He married Helen Withers, and they established their home in Coffeyville as Greg began working full time for what is now Coffeyville Resources. The greatest blessing in Greg's life was his two boys, Adam and Alec. His first priority was always what was best for the boys, and he raised them to be independent and strong young men. Adam is currently living in Kansas City, and Alec lives in New York. Greg met the love of his life, Michelle Thompson, five years ago and they have spent the last two years as husband and wife. They were partners and lovingly referred to themselves as Team Rigdon. Together they felt they could accomplish anything. In addition to his wife, and sons Greg is survived by his parents of Coffeyville; his sister Sherry and her husband Dean Mitchell of Liberty, Kansas, and their children Marcy Mitchell of Coffeyville and Matthew Mitchell of Liberty. His baby brother Kent and his wife Jill live in Kansas City with their two daughters, Erin and Natalie. Greg was surrounded by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and co-workers. Greg looked forward to retirement when he could work in his shop, take care of his property, fix up old trucks, and spend time with his soul mate, Michelle. He had the capacity to make everyone around him feel like they were his favorite; he loved and was loved by many. He was a role-model to the young men he worked with as well as a never-ending source of joy for those who had the privilege to be in his world. He lived life bravely, joyously, and will be intensely missed. Services celebrating Greg's life will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church, 304 West 10th St. (10th and Elm) in Coffeyville with Pastor Nicole Schwartz officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville. Friends may call on Tuesday, August12, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Kansas State University Foundation for Pre-Nursing Student Scholarship fund; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.