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Donald Ridgeway Obituary
PEKIN - The Rev. Dr. Donald Ralph "Don" Ridgeway, 85, of Pekin passed away and went home to be with his Lord and Savior at 6:48 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at Reflections Memory Care of Pekin. He was surrounded by his family.
Born November 21, 1931, in Logan County, Nebraska, to Samuel O. and Violet C. (Beatty) Ridgeway, he married Anna Faye Wells on September 12, 1952, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She died February 14, 2015, in Pekin.
He also was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Gordon Ridgeway and Beverly Ridgeway; and one sister, Elnora Edwards.
Surviving are one son, Scott L. Ridgeway of Peoria; one daughter, Stephani A. (Skip) Penning of Pekin; three grandchildren, Amanda L. (Donnie) Hidden and Colton J. Penning, both of Pekin, and Andrew S. Ridgeway of Arlington, Virginia; and one great-granddaughter, Colette Hidden. He also leaves a daughter-in-law, Nancy Ridgeway of Pekin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Raised in Thayer, Missouri, he was a 1950 graduate of Thayer High School. He graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Johnson Bible College in Knoxville, Tennessee. He then earned his Master of Ministry Degree in 1960 from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis and a Master of Arts Degree from Butler University in Indianapolis in 1961. He furthered his education and earned his Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago in 1985.
Don was the longtime pastor of First Christian Church in Pekin, serving from June of 1968 until retiring from fulltime ministry in 1994. In retirement, he had interim pastorates in Brimfield and Wyoming. He previously had pastored and served Crab Orchard Christian Church in Crab Orchard, Kentucky; from 1954 to 1956; Jonathan Creek Christian Church in Sullivan from 1956 to 1959; First Christian Church in Palestine from 1959 to 1964; and First Christian Church in Mooresville, Indiana, from 1964 to 1968.
Don loved being outdoors, and especially fishing. He also enjoyed swimming, golfing and taking long leisurely walks. Don will be remembered for living his faith and being devoted to his wife and family.
He was a member of First Christian Church in Pekin.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 31, 2016, at First Christian Church in Pekin. Pastor Hank Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 1201 Chestnut Street, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Ridgeway
Sponsored by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory - Pekin Funeral Homes, L.L.C..
2 Entries
Jill Johnson Taylor
January 1, 2017
He was such an influence in my life while growing up and as a young adult trying to find my way. He was always willing to answer the hard questions I had and offer encouragement without judgement. I also believe no one can deliver a message from the pulpit quite like he did. My prayers to Scott, Stephani and their families.
Jim Rodgers
December 29, 2016
Such a guiding force in my youth. Don was and will continue to be the yardstick I measure other ministers by. There was no sleeping in the pews when this man took the pulpit. I can very easily see him sitting by Glories pond, fishing pole in hand while Faye wades barefoot. So sorry to see you go. Rest in Peace old friend. Deepest condolences to Scott, Stephanie and the entire family.
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Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory - Pekin500 North Fourth Street, Pekin, IL 61554
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Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory - Pekin500 North Fourth Street, Pekin, IL 61554
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