Robert Thomas “Tom” Ridgeway of Houston, Mo, was born April 30, 1929, in Allenville, Ill., the son of Tom and Mary (Standefer) Ridgeway. He departed this life on Nov. 29, 2008. Mr. Ridgeway had been in failing health for some time and had attained the age of 79 years. Tom accepted Christ and was baptized as a Christian in Allenville, Ill. He was a member of Ozark Baptist Church in Houston, Mo.
Tom was united in marriage to Melba Driskill on May 26, 1962, in Caruthersville, Mo. Those left to mourn his passing include his wife, Melba Ridgeway of Houston, Mo; two sons and daughter-in-laws, Jeff and Brenda Ridgeway of Dixon, Mo., and Mark and Cheryl Ridgeway of Fayetteville, Ark; a sister, Doris Feathering and nephew, Mike Feathering of Sullivan, Ill; and five grandchildren, Kristie Ridgeway, Stacie Ridgeway, Keaton Ridgeway, Clay Ridgeway and Mary-Claire Ridgeway.
Tom entered the Army after graduating high school and served our country in the Korean War from 1948-1950, where he became a decorated veteran. Upon his return home to Sullivan, Ill., he began employment at Brown Shoe Company. Over the next 41 years, he dedicated his service to Brown Shoe by working at plants in Mountain Grove, Cabool, Charleston, Caruthersville, Potosi, Owensville, Dixon and finally making his home in Houston. He retired from Brown Shoe Co. in 1985. Tom also worked for the Texas County Sheriff’s Department for five years before permanently retiring.
Tom loved the great outdoors. He enjoyed fishing with his friends and always looked forward to hunting with his sons. He also enjoyed just spending time with his family and loved his grandchildren. Tom will always be remembered in the hearts of his family and all that knew and loved him.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Care. Online condolences may be made to www.evansfh.com.
Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Ridgeway at the Ozark Baptist Church in Houston at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, with Rev. Ed Hamilton officiating. Burial followed at 3:00 p.m. in the Seaton Cemetery near Dixon, Mo., under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
PAID