Alton Burly Ridgeway, 74, of Harleton, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 20, 2022, in Longview, Texas. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 23, 2022, in the chapel of Downs Funeral Home in Marshall, Texas with Bro. Richard Ridgeway officiating. Interment will follow at Piney Cemetery in Harleton, Texas. A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, April 22, 2022, at the funeral home.

Alton was born on April 14, 1948, to Albert OD Ridgeway and Ivy Dee Harber Ridgeway.  He graduated from Harleton High School in 1966 and attended college in Minden, Louisiana. In 1970, he began work at ICI/Norit Americas in Marshall where he remained until retiring. Alton enjoyed dirt track racing and flying airplanes for many years, and he rarely turned down a game of 42. Countless hours were spent fishing and hunting. He wouldn't hesitate to go in the water to unsnag a good lure. Alton never met a stranger and could often be found helping others. He loved spending time with all of his family, but especially his grandkids and great grandkids.

He is survived by his daughter April Byassee (Jason) and son Paul Ridgeway (Kimberly); siblings John "Butch" Ridgeway (Debbie), Richard Ridgeway (Cynthia), Chester Ridgeway, Nancy Rothacher, Dennis Ridgeway (Janice), Ronnie Ridgeway (Kimberly), Peggy Carver (Randy), Karen Muzzy (Bob); grandchildren Cullen Hamblen, Cameron Hamblen (Stormie), Kacy Ridgeway, Emily Byassee, Karson Ridgeway; great grandchildren Callee, Cannon, Conor, Olivia and Carter Hamblen; his right hand man Johnny McCoy and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Albert Ridgeway.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his honor to The American Cancer Society.