Darrell "Red" Waggoner

Darrell “Red” Waggoner, 77, of Palestine, IL, died at 4:55 a.m. (EST) on Friday, September 22, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. He was born on November 27, 1939 in Lawrenceville, the son of Ralph Waggoner & Lola (Hill) Waggoner, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Waggoner. He married Peggy (Servison) on September 23, 1989, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughters, sons-in-law, and their families, Jessica Rich and her daughter, Analeigh (Palestine, IL), Leslie & Brady Lewis and their children, Max and Madalyn (Oblong, IL), and Julie & Gregg Brooks and their family, Robinson, IL; by his sons, Jeff Waggoner (Indianapolis, IN) and Kyle Waggoner & his family (Robinson, IL); by his brother & sister-in-law, Larry & Kaye Waggoner (Robinson, IL); by his sisters, Loretta Foust (Robinson, IL) and Karen Waggoner, (Robinson, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Red grew up in Lawrenceville and Robinson, and was a 1957 graduate of Robinson High School. He would go on to Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL to further his education. Back home, he went to work for Marathon Oil as an operator. He was a dedicated employee for 31 years before retiring in 1995. Following retirement, Red and Peggy opened Peg & Red’s Ice Cream Shop in Palestine, which quickly became a staple of Palestine Main Street. When he wasn’t working, Red simply didn’t let dust settle. He served his community as Multi-Township Assessor for 43 years for LaMotte, Montgomery, Hutsonville, and Oblong Townships. He was also a longtime player for the Pioneer City Men's Fast-Pitch Softball Team. His love of the game brought him to umpire and coach all levels of baseball for many, many years. When he wasn’t playing, umpiring, or coaching, he could be found watching his beloved Chicago Cubs, Fighting Illini or Chicago Bears. While sports were a passion of Red’s, he also had a great love for the outdoors, and was especially drawn to the mountains of Colorado. He fished and hunted for years, and this was a very important part of his life. But more important still was his role as “Pawpa”. Nothing gave him more joy than spending time with his grandkids, telling them stories, or watching them play sports themselves. He was truly a one-of-a-kind man. His family, friends, and community will forever be grateful for the life of Red Waggoner. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 25th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26th at the funeral home. Pastor Tim Watson will officiate the service. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. In honor of the countless hours Red spent on the ball diamond, memorials may be made to the Palestine Little League or to the Palestine Booster Club, with envelopes available at the funeral home.