Robert E. Rigney

Robert E. “Bob” Rigney passed away early Sunday morning, May 19, 2024, at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, OK.

Bob was born August 4, 1926, in Rantoul, Kansas to parents, Walter and Pearl (Diediker) Rigney.  He attended elementary schools in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, before graduating from Fairfax, OK high school in May 1944.  Bob served in the U.S. Navy from May 1944 to July 1946.  Following his Honorable Discharge, he attended Oklahoma A&M College, graduating in 1950 with a Marketing degree.  Following graduation, Bob worked briefly for Conoco Oil Company in Ponca City, OK before being activated in September 1950 with Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Division (National Guard) for Korean War service.  He was discharged in April 1952. On June 3, 1949, Bob and June Smith were united in marriage in Fairfax, OK.  After a marriage of 69 years, June passed away July 16, 2018.  Bob was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Elaine Crupper and John Rigney.

Bob began work with Phillips Petroleum Company in May 1952, retiring in June 1986 as Corporate Manager of Employee Relations.  He was a member of Bartlesville First Church and a former member and director of Hillcrest Country Club, Limestone Lions Club, Greenville, SC Rotary Club and the Journey Home.

Bob is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Rick Conaway and Janet and Steve Stieben; four grandchildren, Robby House, Lisa House, Melinda Smith and Craig Stieben; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Wes Pershall and several nieces and nephews.

Interment will be held as a private family service at Bartlesville Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum, under the direction of Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home and Cremation Service.  A memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Bartlesville First Church with Rev. Dr. Greg Tener officiating.  Bob will lie in state on Wednesday from 9am-5pm and friends may call at the funeral home during that time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Journey Home, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children and the charity of one’s choice.