Jesse Ridgel Sr.

Jesse Ridgel Sr., a former longtime resident of St. Bernard Parish in Louisiana and most recently a resident of Evans, CO left this earth, Monday, April 16, 2012 to be reunited with his loving wife of 57 years, Betty S. Ridgel. Mr. Ridgel was 82, born June 24, 1929 in Bend, Oregon and raised in Tickfaw, Louisiana. Jesse and Betty were married in New Orleans, Louisiana on July 10, 1955. Jesse and Betty shared and provided a beautiful home where they raised their children and some of their grandchildren in St. Bernard Parish. During his early years Jesse walked from Louisiana to Texas while he worked as a seismographer for Brown and Root. He retired after 17 years as a heavy equipment mechanic with Domino Sugar refinery. Known as “Daddy” to some and “Pawpaw, Grandpa and Mr. Jesse” to others his family and friends all agree, “He really knew how to tell a story”. And oh the stories, some so outrageous it was hard to believe them to be true. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, he had 36 different rose bushes all for the love of his life. He was an extraordinary example of a devoted brother, husband, father, hard worker, grandfather, neighbor and friend. He loved to watch cowboy movies, fish and was an avid John Wayne fan. He is survived by sons and daughter in laws - Jesse and Holly Ridgel Jr.; son, Louis Ridgel; son and daughter in law, Guy and Edie Ridgel, son, Thomas Ridgel; daughter, Catherine Jory; daughter and son in law, Flo and Al Reyes; daughter and son in law, Betty R. and Don Silva; daughter and son in law, Sally R. and Bobby Ledet; brothers and sister - Ed, Vic, Kenny and Keith Ridgel and sister, Josie Pradat; 25 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 8 great, great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty S. Ridgel and brother, Louis Ridgel. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 10:00am – 12:00pm Mountain time at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel at 3501 South 11th Avenue, Evans, CO 80620. A Celebration of Life and Acknowledgment of his reunification with Our Father along with Mawmaw is scheduled at 5:00 pm Thursday at the Greeley Mennonite Church at 402 11th Street, Greeley, CO 80631 followed by a reception at the church. Jesse Ridgel Sr. will be greatly missed.

Tributes

Jesse Ridgel Sr.

June 24, 1929 - April 16, 2012