Sunset Funeral Home
1800 St. George Rd., Evansville

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Richard “Eugene” Rigdon

August 21, 1980 - October 26, 2021

Condolences(7)

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    Josh Matthews says

    He was truly a great man and amazing father. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body. Always worked his ass off to support his family, not matter how hard or dirty the job was.

    He will definitely be greatly missed but his spirit, sense of humor and love for his family lives on through each one of his children. He taught them to be very good people.

    He loved my sister as much as a man could ever love a woman and did everything he could to make sure she and the kids were taken care of no matter how many hours he had to work. Very hard working man and I miss him dearly.

    But I know he hasn’t stopped looking out for his family and never will.

    I love you all.
    Bub

    • REPLY
      Sarah Rigdon says

      Thank you Bub, I REALLY appreciate this.. He truly was ONE of a KIND and CAN’T EVER BE Replaced… I’m so thankful my children had an AMAZING father, and I’m the lucky one for sure because he LOVED ME beyond all fault and head my back at the end of the day when I felt like the world was against me.. I miss him so much and we are managing but LIFE won’t EVER be the same WITHOUT HIM.

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    Tina Stucke Cissna says

    Sarah Drew and family, I am so sorry to see that Eugene passed away. Ted and I loved being around him. He was a hard worker and always a smile. He and Ted are in heaven catching up. Fly high Eugene! Sending love and prayers. Tina Stucke Cissna

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    Sonya Matthews-Tepool says

    It’s so hard for me to articulate exactly what I feel. Our lives will never be the same. I will miss Eugene’s kind eyes and his laugh, forever. In 25 years as my brother in law, we only had two arguments…. which says a lot, because I never keep my thoughts to myself…. But the point here is that Eug was just kind, consistent, and loveable. He gave so much of himself to others.

    I will honor him by making it a priority to behave more gently. The world needs more Eugenes and I will carry him in my heart, always.

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    Sarah Rigdon says

    Eug, dammit.. I know I haven’t done this in a while, truth is, it’s been HARD without YOU.. We gotta grandbaby coming and I’m scared.. IDK how to do this without YOU, but I’m giving it hell and I miss you so much, I love you so much and I ALWAYS will.. ALWAYS.

  5. REPLY
    Sarah Rigdon says

    Thank you Bub, I REALLY appreciate this.. He truly was ONE of a KIND and CAN’T EVER BE Replaced… I’m so thankful my children had an AMAZING father, and I’m the lucky one for sure because he LOVED ME beyond all fault and head my back at the end of the day when I felt like the world was against me.. I miss him so much and we are managing but LIFE won’t EVER be the same WITHOUT HIM.

  6. REPLY
    Hayden Rigdon says

    Pops, I miss you. I look at this every other week and I just say to myself: “Damnit I wish I could go back” I miss the fishing trips, the things you taught me, your cooking, everything. I miss you so damn much Dad. If only you could see your grandson, he looks just like me and Drew both and I’m starting to look alot like you now. Anyhow, rest easy Dad, say hi to rick, papaw jack, and kristian for me. I love you. ;

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Richard “Eugene” Rigdon, 41, passed away on October 26, 2021. He was born on August 21, 1980, to Patricia (Shelton) Smith in Henderson, KY.

On July 31, 1996, Eugene laid eyes on Sarah and was swept away by her beauty. He was only 15 years old at the time and she was 16. Yet, it didn’t take long for him to know that she was the one. Eugene and Sarah fell in love instantly and got married on November 16, 1996. They had three beautiful children together. After each birth, Eugene couldn’t help but fall more in love with his family. He was his family’s biggest supporter and they did everything together. His family was his most prized possession and the love he had for them was unlike any other.

Additionally, Eugene was known for his love of classic muscle cars, fishing, and the water. In 2003, he earned his pilot’s license which was a huge accomplishment. He worked on the river for over 10 years before joining the Local 106 Roofer’s Union. Eugene was the funniest man everyone knew. He had a great sense of humor which will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.

Eugene was preceded in death by his long-time friend and mentor, Rick Partridge, and his mother.

Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Sarah Rigdon; Children, Richard “Drew” Andrew Rigdon and his wife, Emilee, Madison “Madi” Rheann Rigdon, Hayden “Boogie” Matthew Rigdon, Austin McCraw and his wife, Sara, Dani Smith, and Paige Woodard; Siblings, Robert Rigdon, Stephanie Rigdon, and Carla Shelton; 3 grand-dogs, Fawn, Buddy, and Dixie, Mimi’s and Papi’s babies; Several nieces, nephews, and many loved ones.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, November 4, 2021, from 4pm to 6pm at Sunset Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate/

The family would also like everyone to know that if anyone is struggling with addiction or suicide to please reach out because help is available.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
TTY: 800-487-48899