Douglas Jon Rigel, age 78, of Mansfield, passed away early Wednesday morning, October 1, 2025, at Liberty Nursing Center of Mansfield. He was born on December 27, 1946, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Horace and Donna Jean (Sedwick) Rigel.
Doug graduated from Asonia High School in 1964 and Ohio University in 1969, earning a Bachelor degree in Industrial Technology. He retired from TE Connectivity in 2013 where he worked as an Industrial Engineer. He served as a mentor for several years at Sherman Elementary School, Project More. Doug was a Red Vest Volunteer at the Renaissance Theatre for the Encore League and enjoyed ushering patrons to their seats. He was a member of Lexington Area Senior Citizens Group for many years and served as Treasurer for 3 years. Doug was a prayer leader for Community Bible Study (CBS) for several years.
He had a passion for racing and was a 40-year member of Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Doug competed in many rally races for the Ohio Valley before he began his competitive racing career. In 1980, he raced in the GT3 race, placing first and won the checkered flag. Doug raced in the “Press On Regardless Race”, finishing in the top third and was noted in the book, “Press On Regardless”. He was awarded the 2021 Worker of the Year for the Ohio Valley SCCA. After his retirement, he volunteered at Mid Ohio Sports Car Course in Race Control.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Ferder Rigel; sister, Carol Johnson; nephew, Scott (Haley) Johnson; niece, Renee Carpenter; and three great-nephews, Jamison Johnson, Preston Carpenter, and Payden Carpenter, all of Kokomo, Indiana. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald W. Rigel; and brother-in-law, Don Johnson.
The family will receive friends from 3:00-7:00 pm on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral will be held in the funeral home on Monday at 10:30 am. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Joni and Friends, a Christian organization serving those with disabilities worldwide.
