Donald Rigdon

Donald L. "Don" Rigdon, 79-year-old Tulsa resident, passed away at 10:00a.m., Thursday, September 28, 2006 at his home. Donald L. Rigdon was born June 15, 1927 in Scott's Bluff, Nebraska to homer Rigdon and Esther Wilhemina Oberlander-Rigdon. Mr. Rigdon graduated from Nowata High School and then entered the United States Navy. Mr. Rigdon served as a signal man aboard an aircraft carrier during World War II. After his service in the Navy, Mr. Rigdon worked in the oil fields in Texas. There he met Vlasta Bayer, a waitress at a local diner he used to frequent. On September 5, 1948 the two were married in Alvin, Texas. Mr. Rigdon worked as a produce buyer for Bud's and Sam's for several years. In fact, Mr. Rigdon was the recorded voice that was played over the intercom at Sam's locations around the country advising shopper's of the latest produce buys. In 1998, Mr. Rigdon retired from Sam's to care for his wife whose health was failing. Over the years Mr. Rigdon coached numerous football and baseball teams. When he wasn't coaching he was helping someone else coach. He was also an avid OU Sooners fan. He enjoyed fishing and boating and the numerous trips the family took to Ft. Gibson Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Rigdon also enjoyed traveling together. They took several trips around the world that lead them to several foreign countries. Another milestone came in September of 1998 when Mr. and Mrs. Rigdon celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mr. Rigdon is survived by six children, Robert and wife Donna Rigdon of Sapulpa, Richard Rigdon of Vinita, Duane and wife Sherry Rigdon of Owasso, Donna Dobbs of Sand Springs, Mike Rigdon of the home in Tulsa, and Ray and wife Rhonda Rigdon of Borger, Texas; by 13 grandchildren; and by 12 great-grandchildren. Mr. Rigdon was preceded in death by his parents and by his wife, Vlasta.

Service Details

Monday, October 2nd, 2006 2:00pm, Graveside

Interment Details

Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery