Rex Allen Rigney, Sr.
1962 - 2025
If you ever heard a harmonica playing softly near a campfire, accompanied by a cold beer, a riddle, and a warm laugh—you might have been lucky enough to have met Rex Allen Rigney, Sr.
Born on May 17, 1962, in Bucyrus, Ohio, to Franklin and Patricia Rigney, Rex grew up learning the value of hard work, the importance of laughter, and the power of a good story. He eventually made his way to Texas, where fate introduced him to Mechelle, the woman who would become the love of his life. After a respectable period of “getting to know each other” they sealed the deal in 2006. They stuck by each other’s sides through thick, thin, and the occasional household project.
Rex was a man of peace and presence. He didn’t need the flashiest tools or the fanciest gadgets; give him a fire pit, a drink in hand, good music, and someone to swap stories with, and he was right at home. He had a knack for riddles that stumped you for hours and jokes that made you groan and laugh in equal measure.
He was a teacher without a classroom, a counselor without a degree, and a listener whose silence spoke louder than most people's words. If you were on the receiving end of one of his famous bear hugs, you knew without question that you were loved, because you feel the power of his love wrapped around you.
Whether he was fixing something (or taking it apart just to “see how it worked”), playing a tune on his harmonica, or simply sitting outside soaking in the world, Rex found joy in the everyday. He tackled life like he tackled his projects: with patience, purpose, and the occasional colorful phrase.
Rex was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Patricia, and a child, Cecil Wayne.
He leaves behind his steadfast wife and partner-in-life, Mechelle; his son, Rex Jr.; his children Veronica Willoughby, Tony Biddle, Aaron Biddle, Joseph Biddle, and Bradley Biddle; his father, Franklin Rigney (and wife Connie); and his best friends and brothers: Sam Rigney (and wife Regina), William Rigney, Frank Rigney (and wife Jeannie Hutchins), and Del Duffield. He also leaves his sisters Debbie Becker, Teresa Moose (and husband Perry), Tina Robertson (and husband Rodney), and Angie Duffield; and many extended family members and close friends.
Though the world feels a little quieter without Rex in it—and maybe a little less mischievous—we'll carry his stories, his music, his love, and maybe even a riddle or two with us always. Here's to the man who taught us how to laugh through the hard times, love through the mess, and keep a cold one ready just in case someone stops by to chat.
We’ll miss you, Rex. Keep the fire going—we’ll bring the beer.