John Widgen, Sr.

John W. Widgen, Sr., 87, husband of the late Frances Turner Widgen and a resident of Nassawadox, VA, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2016 at Hermitage on the Eastern Shore in Onancock, VA. Born January 3, 1929 to Kate Dunton Widgen and Walter Bailey Widgen, he was the youngest of four children.

He graduated from Eastville High School in 1946. Following school, John worked for a short time at Banker's Casualty Insurance then became a staff sergeant in the Virginia National Guard for 12 years. In 1956, he opened a Western Auto Hardware store in Cheriton, VA. In his younger years, he volunteered at the Cheriton Fire Department. John was a lifelong active member of the Cheriton United Methodist Church, served on the Cheriton Town Council and as a board member of Suntrust Bank in Cheriton.

John was an avid golfer, claiming two holes-in-one. He loved to fish and tend to his yard, which was often called the "prettiest" yard in town! John always had a joke to share and loved a good party, especially when dancing was involved. He loved his family dearly and worked hard throughout his life.

John is survived by his three children, Kathy McCahill and her husband, Burke, of Leesburg, VA, John Widgen, Jr. and his wife, Meg, of Cheriton, Liz Horner and her husband, Jeff, of Belle Haven, VA; four grandchildren, four great grandchildren and a very close friend, Clara Ann James of Nassawadox. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sister, Betty Bell Phillips and two brothers, Patrick Widgen and Walter B. "Shorty" Widgen.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 12:00 PM at Cheriton United Methodist Church with Reverend Janet C. Allen officiating. Interment will be in Belle Haven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riverside Shore Hospice, P. O. Box 615, Onley, VA 23418 or to Alzheimer's Association, Southeastern Chapter, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.