Col. (retired) Harry H. Riddle, 91, of Sherwood, passed away Friday, January 8, 2010. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and an Army veteran from which he retired with 28 years after serving in World War II and Korea.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary Jo, and son John Riddle. He is survived by three daughters, Marilyn Carlock and Ann Blaylock of Sherwood, Jane Fletcher of North Little Rock; a son, Joe Riddle, of North Little Rock; and a daughter-in-law, Cynthia Lukas of Santa Fe, New Mexico; also six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
His distinguished military career began in 1942 and ended in 1970. He completed several military schools including OCS Armored School and Command General Staff College. He graduated from Cairo High School in 1936 and the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1964 with a B.S. degree in history.
Riddle started his career at McKesson Drug Co., in Cairo, Ill., as a stock boy and ended as operations manager before he was drafted. During his military career he received numerous commendations and awards including American Campaign medal - Eastern Africa; Middle East Campaign Medal; Korean Service Medal; National Defense Medal; Bronze Star; Army commendation medal; Legion of Merit; and Presidential Unit Citation. Upon his military retirement he was Army advisor to the Arkansas National Guard at Camp Robinson.
He belonged to several organizations during his lifetime, including the Knights of Columbus, No. 6253 of North Little Rock; American Legion; Disabled American Veterans; 6th Armored Division Association; 14th Armored Division Association; Arkansas State Employees Association; Military Officers Association of America; AARP; and the Shepherd's Center.
He was born January 13, 1918 in Cairo, Ill. to parents George and Elizabeth Riddle.
Memorials can be made to Arkansas Hospice, 5600 West 12th St. Little Rock, AR., 72204.
A rosary will be said at 7:00 P.M. Monday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St. , (501) 758-1170.
A mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock. Celebrants will be the Rev. James West, Monsignor John O'Donnell and the Rev. Andy Smith. Burial will be in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.
Riddle (aka Papa) will be missed by everyone who knew him including his family, friends and former co-workers.
Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.
Rosary
JAN
11.
7:00 PM (CST)
North Little Rock Funeral Home
1921 Main Street
North Little Rock, AR, 72114
Mass of Christian Burial
JAN
12.
10:30 AM (CST)
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
7000 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
North Little Rock, AR, 72116