Robert Rigney

Robert "Bob" Eugene Rigney, of Pekin, IL, went to be with the Lord Monday, August 23, 2021. Robert was born in Pekin, IL on September 7, 1937 to Henry and Eva (Thaller) Rigney. He met his wife LaVon S. Rowe while he was attending Pekin Community High School and they married on January 30, 1955. Together they had 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Robert was the definition of a hardworking man even at a young age. He started working his first job at the age of twelve spraying fruit trees. Upon graduating high school, he joined the US Army where he served from 1954-1958. He then went on to work at Preston Freight Line where he ended up retiring from. Even in his retirement, he kept himself busy working at Menards in Pekin, IL as an early morning stocker. He set the example for all of his children and grandchildren showing them what it meant to work with pride and integrity in everything that comes along. Bob attended Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL every Sunday with his wife and they were also a part of the I John 1:3 Sunday school class which he enjoyed being able to learn so much from Gods word. He was a devout Christian with unwavering faith, especially at the end of his life. He had no fear of what was to come next for him since there was nothing unknown; he knew where he was going and that brought him great peace. Bob enjoyed fishing with his grandson, John, and every fall they were able to provide a fish fry for the entire family to enjoy. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends by going out to eat and catching up. One of his most memorable qualities that his grandchildren regularly reflected on was the love he showed his wife. His devotion and care for her showed them how they should be treated and how they should treat their spouse. After 66 years together, he was one half of the blueprint that was viewed as a strong and long-lasting love. Surviving him is his wife, LaVon Rigney; his 3 children: Kristy Buchanan of Pekin, IL, Steven (Rebecca) Rigney of Fort Myers, FL, and Penny Lawson of Pekin, IL; 8 of his grandchildren: Adam (Maria) Rigney of Houston, TX, Amy (Troy) Del Mastro of Pekin, IL, Benjamin (Amy) Vignassi of Leesburg, IN, Amanda Vignassi of Chatham, IL, Daniel Vignassi of Pekin, IL, Stephanie (Alexis) Liuskos of Houston, TX, Christina (Ryano Mckinley) Garcia of Louisville, KY, and Sierra (Brady) Russo of Creve Coeur; 18 great grandchildren and his great-great-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, James Rigney and William Rigney, his son-in-law, Mark Lawson, and also his grandson John Buchanan. Funeral service will be 1:30 pm on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Henderson Funeral Home 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin with visitation from 12:30 pm 1:30 pm prior to service. Pastor John Hopwood will officiate. Private burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. His family would like to thank UnityPoint Hospice for their compassionate care of Bob. Memorials may be directed to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Illinois 708 Archer Ave., Peoria, IL 61603 or the Salvation Army. Funeral Service Thursday, August 26, 2021 1:30 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554 Visitation Thursday, August 26, 2021 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,Illinois 61554