Bert Edward Ridgaway, 90, of Port Arthur passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Dec. 26, in Houston. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, Dec. 29, at First Baptist Church in Port Arthur, with the Rev. Kyle Morton officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Bert was born Nov. 19, 1922, in Cravens, La., to Leslie William and Tenie (Hines) Ridgaway. He grew up in Beaver Creek, La., and graduated from Pine Prairie High School in 1940. He was offered a scholarship to LSU, but he forgo college and instead enlisted in the Navy.

For 20 years, he served his country honorably in the United States Navy and in the United States Army. After retiring from the military, he joined his cousin, Nugent Boyd, in business, and became the manager of A-1 Rental in Port Arthur for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Setsuko Ridgaway; brothers, Clarence Ridgaway and wife, Jane and Dale Ridgaway; and sister, Nita Faye Baker and husband, Jimmy.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Cathy Civitello and husband, Dr. Andrew Civitello of Houston; cousins, Margie Hatton of Bridge City, and Jeanne Owens of Lexington, Ky; sister-in-law, Joyce Ridgaway of Winnie, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Also surviving are his dearly cherished friend, Geri Morvant and her family; nd his adored dog, Little Girl.

Memorial contributions may be sent to: First Baptist Church, 5000 Gulfway Dr., Port Arthur, Texas 77642

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death, Neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain…”Revelation 21:4