Obituary of Albert Rigley

Albert "Butch" Orin Rigley was born in Monroe, Michigan on June 28, 1939. He was the son of the late Albert A. and Bernice (Lemerand) Rigley. Butch honorably served his country in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, former Linda Eighmey, on August 17, 1984 at Faith Baptist Church. Butch supported his family as a Material Handler for Ford Motor Company for 33 years before retiring in 1997. He had a gift of repairing cars and at one time had owned a small engine repair business. Butch kept to himself and somewhat shy, but as you got to know him, he became quite the chatter box. He loved spending time with his friends and family and sharing a fresh cup of joe. Butch was fond of entertaining children, especially his grandchildren. Butch was an avid NASCAR fan, faithfully cheered for Rusty Wallace. For leisurely pleasure he attended auctions, garage sales, played poker games on his computer and sent emails to friends. In his younger years, Butch enjoyed hunting and fishing. Albert "Butch" Orin Rigley, age 74 of Erie, passed away at 6:08am on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at home. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by a sister: Lois Rigley; and two brothers: David (Diane) Rigley and Norman Rigley. To cherish his memory, Butch leaves behind his loving wife of 29 years: Linda Rigley; four sons: Terry Rigley of Florida, Albert (Jennifer) Rigley of Oxford, Leslie Garner of Erie, and David Sweat of Tennessee; a daughter: Lucinda (Scott) Stuck of Newport; two sisters: Colleen (Bob) Horton of Three Rivers and Karen (Pete) Cusumano of LaSalle; a brother: Allen (Carol) of Wyandotte; nine grandchildren: Ryan, Joe, Jenny, Steven, Jonathan, Blake, Jeremy, Miranda (Steven) Terrell, and Robert (Shayne Ann) Stuck; and four great grandchildren: Donovan, Daytona, Haley, and Noah. He leaves behind his sidekick and constant companion: a Jack Russell; Buddy. Friends may gather from 2:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street, Erie (734) 848-5185. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 7:00pm under the auspices of Erie VFW Post3925 with Pastor Lowell Whitten of New Beginnings Baptist Church officiating. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to New Beginnings Baptist Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.