Russell Edward Riddle

Russell Edward “Russ” Riddle, age 87, of Evansville, IN, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Brickyard Healthcare – Woodlands Care Center, Newburgh, IN.

Russ was born at home in Oakland City, IN, in 1937, to James and Madge (Shoulders) Riddle. As a child, he was quiet, studious, and loved sports. Basketball and baseball were his favorites. Baseball great Gil Hodges lived only twelve miles away, so Russell’s favorite team became the Brooklyn Dodgers. He attended Oakland City schools, Oakland City College, and graduated with a BS in Business Administration from the University of Evansville.

Russ first became interested in computers when he met Dorothy Martin, who was a keypunch operator at Whirlpool in the early sixties. He married her on New Year’s Eve in 1960, and they were together more than sixty years, most of which were in Evansville.  He was fascinated by what she did and wanted to know how computers worked, and so he got into the field of computers too. He felt that computer technology had the ability to improve people’s lives, which is a major reason he made it his life’s work. Over his long career, he worked for Aluminum Company of America, Martin Marietta Aluminum, Wilson-Fiberfil, Vanderburgh County, City of Evansville, National Affiliated Corporation, and Westinghouse Isolation Division.

Russell loved his country and served in the U. S. Army National Guard for twenty-five years. He was on active duty for six months and then once a month was a Weekend Warrior before retiring as a Master Sergeant.

In 1969, their only child, Tom, was born, and he brought so much love and happiness to the entire family. When his son was young, Russ coached both basketball and baseball, and the family often spent their Christmas or spring breaks taking Tom to baseball camp in Florida to improve his already outstanding skills. While living in New Mexico, Russ also coached basketball for the Boys and Girls Club. Their family loved to travel, and they visited most of the United States. He said that driving relaxed him and refreshed his mind. Russ and Dorothy were both active in their church in both New Mexico and at Creekside Baptist in Evansville. Their faith was at the center of their relationship, and they raised their son, Tom, to become a dedicated Christian. For the last twenty years, his grandson, Logan, has been a joyful part of his life, and he and Dorothy centered their lives around him. He spent his summers with them and joined them on their travels and adventures. Russell was a family man, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for any member of his tribe. He left a legacy of a life well-lived and a family well-loved.

Russ is survived by his grandson, Logan Riddle and Logan’s mother, Candace; brother, Tom Riddle and wife, Sally; nephews, Jim and wife, Crissy, Jerry and wife, H’yasmin, and Scott and wife, Kaisone; as well as nieces, Janet and husband, Rich, Jackie and Lance, and Jenny and husband, Rich.

Russ is preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy Rose Riddle; son, Tom Riddle; and parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue with Pastor Steve Clayton officiating. Burial will be in Montgomery Cemetery, Oakland City, IN.

Friends may visit from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. service time, Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel.

A Live Stream will be available beginning twenty minutes prior to the service time. Please visit www.boonefuneralhome.net, select Russell’s obituary, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click View Video/Live Stream.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Charity of your choice.

Boone Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Russell E. Riddle. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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