Donald W. Rigney, 71

Donald W. Rigney, 71, passed to be with his maker July 25, 2021. He was born Aug. 6, 1949, to Stance and Martha Rigney in Waynesboro, Miss. Don married Kay Sudduth on Nov. 26, 1969, and they had been together for more than 50 years.

Don was an honorable and amazing man. He was an exceptional teacher, homebuilder, a pilot and lover of motorcycle rides, computer technology and his dog, Trixie. Don was a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and a true friend.

He is survived by the love of his life, Kay; two daughters, Valerie McAnally (Kent) and Kelli Rigney-Wolfe (Todd); a brother, Stance Rigney Jr.; many grandchildren, Sabrina, Hillary, Jeremiah, and Anna McAnally, Olivia, Garrett and Alli Merryman, Christian and Grace Stanley, Alyssa and April Wolfe, Andrea, Miguel, Daniel, Gabriel Fernandez Rigney, Jack Guarino and Bruno Malacarne; great-grandchildren, Mason, Logan and Michael; chosen daughters, Yvette Fernandez (Christian) and Elise Malacarne; and several nieces and nephews. He was honored by being chosen to be “Grandpa Don” for all of the Plank family.

Don started early in life looking out for others. There is not enough space to list all that he has done, but for starters: He was active in Christian youth organizations, served as the first ROTC cadet commander at the University of South Alabama and spent 27 years on active duty military, to include being a search and rescue pilot for the U.S. Coast Guard in different parts of the world. Among his many awards and military medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross — for saving nine people off a sailboat in the middle of a hurricane — was his most treasured. Don loved helping people, which led him to become a member of the Lincoln County Habitat for Humanity and a mentor to many young people. In the last days of his life and from his hospital bed, Don continued to guide and give life instructions to others.

Don will be greatly missed by all those who love him and those he loved. He would have liked to share his favorite prayer: Dear God, Your will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Amen.

Services were held July 29, 2021. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenberfh.com.

Memorials can be made to Our Kids, 201 California Ave., Libby, MT 59923. Please make checks payable to Tammy Brown. Venmo: Kelli-Wolfe-10.