Marvin Ray Rightnowar, 82, of Wentzville, Missouri, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on September 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born on June 24, 1944, Marvin lived a life defined by unwavering faith, deep devotion to family, and a lifelong spirit of adventure.
Though he spent his final years in Missouri and enjoyed much of his retirement in Springfield, Illinois, Marvin will always be remembered as a son of Southern Illinois, where he built his career, raised his family, and formed many of the lifelong friendships that enriched his life in the Mt. Vernon and Waltonville communities.
On June 15, 1969, Marvin married the love of his life, Anna Louise Lambert of Tipton, Indiana. Their love story moved quickly and confidently, as they married just six months after meeting, each seemingly knowing they had found the person with whom they were meant to spend their life. Together they built a marriage spanning more than fifty-seven years and raised two sons, Scott Andrew Rightnowar and Bradley Alan Rightnowar.
His faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation upon which he built his life. Marvin believed in Christ crucified and found great joy and purpose in his walk with the Lord. Throughout his life, he faithfully served and worshipped in the Methodist churches he called home, including First United Methodist Church of Mt. Vernon, where he and Anna raised their family. Among his family’s fondest memories are gatherings where Marvin joined his parents, Orval “Dude” Rightnowar and Idabell (Hodge) Rightnowar, his beloved Aunt Selma (Hodge) Walters and Aunt Eleanor Hodge in singing one of his favorite hymns, How Great Thou Art. None of them would have claimed professional talent, and more than a few notes were sung off-key, but the joy, faith, laughter, and love shared in those moments made them beautiful nonetheless.
Family was Marvin’s greatest earthly blessing. He loved his sons deeply and worked to instill in them a love of Christ, a respect for others, and an appreciation for the beauty of the world around them. He found immense pride and joy in the family that followed.
His son Scott and wife Julie Ann (Cox) Rightnowar blessed him with five grandchildren: Gracie Rhea Harlow and her husband, Jackson Harlow; Michael Andrew “Drew” Rightnowar; Seth Lynn Rightnowar; Chancey Quinn Rightnowar; and Shelby Brooke Rightnowar.
His son Bradley blessed him with four grandchildren: Evan Lambert Rightnowar, Emma Elizabeth Rightnowar, Ella Marie Rightnowar, and Eden Grace Rightnowar.
Whether at family gatherings, cookouts, church functions, sporting events, holidays, or hunting trips, Marvin’s greatest happiness came from spending time with those he loved most.
Marvin’s adventurous spirit continues to live on through his family. He loved baseball, golf, laughter, and nearly every opportunity to be outdoors. While he enjoyed fishing, hiking, and exploring the mountains, hunting held a special place in his heart. Of all his outdoor pursuits, quail hunting was his favorite. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a crisp autumn morning, walking the fields beside his lifelong friend, “Uncle Roger,” watching his beloved English Setters work the cover, and enjoying the fellowship and stories that come from a lifetime of friendship and adventure. Those moments, surrounded by nature, good dogs, and good company, were where Marvin felt most at home.
Marvin is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Rightnowar; his sister, Frances Atkinson (Joe); his sons, Scott (Julie) Rightnowar and Bradley Rightnowar; nine cherished grandchildren; and countless nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Orval “Dude” Rightnowar and Idabell (Hodge) Rightnowar.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Angels on Assignment, a mission of First United Methodist Church of Mt. Vernon, or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Marvin leaves behind a legacy measured not in possessions or accomplishments, but in faith faithfully lived, family deeply loved, and adventures eagerly shared. His example lives on in the generations that follow him and in the countless lives he touched along the way. Though he will be deeply missed, those who knew and loved him find comfort in a life well lived and in the promise of a joyful reunion yet to come.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, October 03, 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home West Chapel, located at 601 S. 42nd Street Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, IL.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
