Kenneth J Rigdon

Kenneth J Rigdon, 79, of Shepherdsville, Kentucky, returned to his Heavenly Father on Friday, May 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on Saturday, December 14, 1946, to the late Rexie Eugene Rigdon and Dorothy Cassaday Rigdon in Allen County, Kentucky. He grew up with his three siblings, Shirley Rigdon Grace, Rex Rigdon, and LD Rigdon.

Kenneth graduated from Allen County High School in 1965 where he was an outstanding basketball athlete for the Patriots. He was named to the All-District and All-Region basketball teams his senior year. He was inducted into the Allen County-Scottsville Hall of Fame in 2017 honoring his exceptional athletic achievements.

Kenneth married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Deborah Calvert Rigdon on June 26, 1965. Together they built a life of love, devotion, respect, love and unwavering support. They were blessed with two daughters, Susan and Kenann. Kenneth was a devoted father who served as a steady and unwavering pillar for his daughters. He was their biggest supporter, their protector, and greatest encourager.

Kenneth was a retired Kentucky State Trooper where he proudly served his community with unit 716. Where he received many accommodations for his service and duty. He was also Shepherdsville City Police Chief, Bullitt County Deputy Judge Executive under John Harper, and was elected Bullitt County Judge Executive serving two terms from January 2, 1999, until December 31, 2006.

After retirement, Kenneth enjoyed spending time with family, playing golf and participating in fundraising tournaments in his community, watching University of Kentucky sports especially basketball, and being an active member at Bullitt Lodge #155 F&AM where he served as Master in 2011.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his grandson, Dylan Kendal Downs.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife of almost 61 years, Debby; his daughters, Susan Johnson (Todd) and Kenann Choate (Brent); his grandchildren, Jenna Rigdon Arend (Joshua), Lucas Johnson, Drew Downs, Nina Johnson Belcher (Adam), Whitney Johnson Maddox (Aaron), Thomas Choate, and Casey Choate; his great-grandchildren, Alex, Ben, Lily, Mia, Willow, Oliver, and Meadow. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Sammy Calvert and sister-in-law, Ginger Calvert; one aunt, Martha Cassaday Petett, several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many special friends.

The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to Samantha Milby whose compassion and attentive care brought comfort to Kenneth and support to Debby during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Trooper Island or Shriners Children’s Hospital in Lexington. Kenneth will be honored by the Kentucky State Police and Shepherdsville Police Department during the visitation and burial.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks (Preston Highway and John Harper) from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a Masonic service at 6:30 pm, and Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 11:00 am till 2:00pm.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in the chapel of Schoppenhorst Underwood and Brooks, 4895 N. Preston Hwy, Shepherdsville, with burial to follow at Brookland Cemetery, Sergeant Cory Elliott, Kentucky State Police Chaplain, will lead the funeral service.