Video Tribute

Perry Righter   Perry Lee Righter, 80, of Mexico, died on Friday, Dec. 8, 2006, in a house fire at his home. Mr. Righter was born on Jan. 4, 1926, in rural Mexico, a son of Harry Lee and Verna Marie Lovingier Righter. He graduated from Mexico High School with the class of 1944. During World War II, he served in the Infantry of the Army of the United States from 1944 until 1946. He spent 18 months in the European Theater of Operations. After discharge, he worked as a brick setter at A.P. Green for 40 years. On March 3, 1946, in Mexico, he married Betty Jean Smith, who survives. Mr. Righter was a member of the Southside Christian Church and enjoyed antique furniture repair and was an avid antique collector. In addition to his wife, survivors include one son, George Robert Righter and wife Kathy, Mexico; 5 grandchildren, Danny Terrill, Hannibal, Coltier Righter, Mexico, LeEdward Righter, Rogers, Ark., Aileah Duncan, Rogers, Ark., and Rebecca Terrill, Mexico; and 2 great grandchildren, Timothy Winterbower, Jr., Mexico, and Alivia Licher, Rogers, Ark. One brother and one son, David, preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m., at Pickering Funeral Home with Rev. Doug Vernon officiating.  Visitation will be today from 5 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

Public Tributes and Expressions of Sympathy Perry and Betty have been our neighbors for many years. I would see Perry quite often at the library and he was always so friendly. I baby-sat several of his grandchildren many years ago and enjoyed that! I am so sorry about the fire and his death. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with the family during this sad time. Aletha Taylor Dear George and Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I used to see David around town and at the trailer park and enjoyed a few words with him about the good old days. I was suprised to hear about his passing as well as your Fathers. I haven't seen your parents for quite a few years. Seems like we have all lost contact with each other sence Payne school. Again I am so sorry for your loss and hope you will find strength to carry on. You may not remember me for you was young the last time I seen you. My name used to be Beverly Watts and my Mother was Kathleen Watts your bus driver back then. Beverly DeOrnellis To the Family of Perry Righter: Mr. Righter was involved with our "Walk Back In Time" several years ago as we honored his sevice to our country. He made a lasting impression on Paul Baum who interviewed him for a WBIT historical story and on my husband and me as we picked him up for and took him home after the event. He insisted we come in and shared several stories with us and showed us some of his many collections. His love and concern for his wife and family was evident in the time that we spent with him. We will keep your family in our prayers. Dana Keller, Audrain County Historical Society Dear Betty and Family; We were shocked about Perry's death, such a kind gentleman. When I worked at the Mexico Library many years, one of my duties was to arrange displays in the big glass case by the entrance of the Library. Sometimes I couldn't come up with something interesting I thought our patrons would enjoy seeing; that was when I called on Perry and he came to my rescue. He would come in smiling and bring in some of his beautiful treasures to share. I will always remember him. C.T. and I send our sympathy, and our prayers that God's comfort will sustain you in the sad days ahead. C.T. & Violet Lierheimer

Private Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at office@pickeringfh.com  
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