Donald R. "Don" Ridlehoover, 70, passed away Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at a Houston hospital. Memorial service: 2 p.m. Thursday at Field Street Baptist Church, Cleburne. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crosier-Pearson-Cleburne Funeral Home. Don was born to John Henry and Ida Jewel Thomas Ridlehoover on Sept. 14, 1943, in Fort Worth. Don married Janice Ford on Dec. 15, 1967, in Johnson County. He had been a faithful member of Field Street Baptist Church since 1986 and had served as coordinator of adult missions for over 15 years. Don retired as a fire captain with the Fort Worth Fire Department in 1997 with 32 years of service. Don was a man with the gift of bringing laughter to any room he entered and was known for his prankster antics. Forever the optimist, he was an encourager to many and had a servant's heart. Don was fun-loving and shared his joy with the countless youth that he impacted throughout the years as a sponsor for band and church functions. Many have said he was the dad everyone wished for. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed carpentry, traveling, camping and fishing -- especially in Colorado -- with those he loved. His love of life and laughter will be missed greatly by those who knew and loved him. He was predeceased by his parents; and brothers and sister, William, Harold, Wayne, Thomas and Evelyn Ridlehoover. Survivors: His wife of 46 years, Janice Ridlehoover; children, Kevin Ridlehoover, Jill Jackson and husband, James, Jody Ridlehoover and wife, Jen, and Kara Caldwell and husband, Randy; grandchildren, Ashley, Luke, Hope, Levi, Daniel, Grant, Caden, Carinna and Cooper; sister, Ruby Dane; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Published by Star-Telegram on Dec. 31, 2013.
Obituary courtesy of Legacy.com