David M. Bigham, 79, of Rockford, Ohio, passed away suddenly at his home, Saturday morning, July 8, 2017.

He was born in rural Covington, Ohio, on February 8, 1938, to Lee and Gladys (Warford) Bigham. Both are deceased. On October 12, 1958, he married Connie Michael, who survives in Rockford.

Dave attended Grace Missionary Church in Celina, Ohio.

He was a bus driver for Parkway Local Schools for 30 years, and was a custodian at the school for 10 years. He served as the sexton for Riverside Cemetery, Rockford, for 10 years as well.

Dave was very active in the village of Rockford: he was a Rockford EMT for 6 years; served on the Rockford Fire Department for 25 years and the Rockford Police Department for 10 years. He was a special deputy for the Mercer County Sheriff's Dept. for 20 years and a member of the Sheriff's Rangers in Mercer County for 15 years.

Dave loved his family and friends; his grandkids were his life, and he loved camping with them and the rest of the family. He loved traveling, seeing new things and meeting new people - he never met a stranger. He loved the Lord with all his heart - his favorite verse, "Every knee shall bow, every tongue shall confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord" was his words of wisdom to all.

Surviving are his wife Connie, of Rockford; two children: Michael L. Bigham of Rockford and Debra L. (Robert) Garman of St. Henry; two grandchildren: Bryce (Staci) Garman of Botkins, and Blake Garman of St. Henry; two great-grandchildren: Mallori and Emmeric Garman of Botkins. Two sisters survive: Genevieve Timbrook and Sylvia Bell Martin.

Deceased are three brothers: Roger, Lee Jr., and Wesley Bigham; and four sisters: Virginia Bigham, Margie Hurless, Rosiland Todd, and Bonnie Bigham.

Services will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Missionary Church in Celina, with Pastor Brett Sauder and Pastor Bruce Head officiating.

Friends may call on Tuesday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford from 2:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., and on Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the service. A private burial will be held at a later date for the family, in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Memorials may be directed to the church or to the Rockford EMS.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.