Jeffery Kevin Ridgell

Jeffery Kevin Ridgell ran into the arms of Jesus on June 19, 2019, at the age of 48.

Kevin was born to Bobby Barham and Alice Ann (Pollard) Ridgell on July 15, 1970 at Fort Hood, Texas. As a child and young adult, Kevin loved to spend time with his family, swim, play practical jokes, ride his go cart, and was extremely active in competitive speech and debate. He graduated with honors from Oologah High School in 1988.

Kevin had many friends and almost always had a smile on his face. He loved God deeply and shared that love with those around him. At a young age, he was diagnosed with a debilitating disease, but he never let that slow him down. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. He continued his education at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, by completing a Master of Arts degree in Human Resources/Psychology and was only two courses away from completing a second master’s degree. He additionally took several courses at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

In addition to a love of learning, Kevin enjoyed many what might be considered, “dangerous”, activities. He learned to scuba dive while in college and had so much fun diving in Hawaii on a family vacation. He went skiing in Colorado on two occasions, rode wet bikes on the lake in Arkansas, completed a high ropes course, and cliff diving. He never let his disability or his wheelchair slow him down. Kevin enjoyed anything about Star Wars, playing games (and winning in the most interesting ways), drinking Mocha Frappuccinos from Starbucks, eating extremely hot salsa, and watching movies.  He deeply loved his niece and nephew and always wanted to know how they were doing and to be there for their activities whenever possible. He provided daily inspiration to many friends and family members via a daily email with pictures, quotes, trivia, and inspirational thoughts. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Kevin was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Barham and Marie Ridgell; maternal grandparents, Frank and Gertrue Pollard; step-grandfather, Buell Lovell; one nephew, Cade Crenshaw, and one uncle, Danny Shearer. 

He is survived by his parents, Bob and Ann Ridgell, his sister, Krista (Bruce) Crenshaw, niece and nephew, Karis and Kale Crenshaw, aunts Mary (Ted) Stanton and Kay (Mike) Sipes, cousins Mark Stanton, Alisa Stanton, Eric (Kristi) Stanton, Scott (Christy) Shearer, Michael (Amanda) Shearer, Missy (Baker) Halley, Cheryl (Gene) Stafford, Ronnie (Tammy) Buck, David Bryant (Gay) Armstrong, Duane (Carla) Armstrong, close friend Brent (Kathy) Moore, and a host of friends and relatives.

A visitation for Kevin will be held Sunday, June 23, 2019 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm in the Parsons-Canoe-Beggs Funeral Chapel in Collinsville, Oklahoma. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 24, 2019 at 2:00pm at the First Baptist Church of Collinsville, Oklahoma, with Dr. Tim Prock officiating. A committal service will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 3:00pm at the Richland Cemetery in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. The Parsons-Canoe-Beggs Funeral Home, of Collinsville, Oklahoma, has charge of the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be left to Sleep in Heavenly Peace in Kevin’s honor by check to SHP-TX, Johnson County (PO Box 2191, Burleson, TX 76097) or via this link: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/tx-johnsoncounty.

Expressions of sympathy for the Ridgell family may be left by visiting www.pcbfuneralgroup.com.

My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and portion forever. Psalm 73:26

But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

The Parsons-Canoe-Beggs Funeral Home, of Collinsville, Oklahoma, has charge of  arrangements.

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