John L. Riddle

John L. Riddle, 91, Indianapolis, passed away January 5, 2025, after a long illness. John was born September 27, 1933, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to John Ludy Riddle and Dorothy (Cutshaw) Riddle. 

John was a multi-sport CYO, high school and college athlete and was proud to have played under the great Tony Hinkle at Butler University before transferring to IU-Bloomington. He was equally proud to have served his country and played competitive football for the Army while stationed overseas. After college and his military service, John played semi-pro baseball for several years before settling down and starting a family. John and Ellen were married August 2, 1958. John carried his love of all sports throughout his life and passed that love on to his kids and grandkids. Everything stopped when ND football, Hoosier or Bulldog basketball games were on TV and he remained a Colts fan, despite their recent struggles. He FINALLY got to enjoy a winning IU football season, and he was eagerly anticipating a Notre Dame/Ohio State matchup in the CFP championship game this year. Irish for the win, of course!

John retired from Hogan Mayflower in 1995, after a long career in the Moving/Transportation industry. 

John is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ellen (Cooper) Riddle; Children: Greg, Mike (Michelle), Lisa Lynch, Tom (Barb). Grandchildren: Patrick Riddle, Cooper (Autumn) Riddle, Alex Riddle, Anna (Will) Penczek, Megan Lynch, Jack Lynch, Tyler (Holly) Riddle, Cassie Riddle and great-granddaughter, Harlow Lee Riddle. He is also survived by his sisters: Linda Weaver (Naperville, IL), Barbara Arnold (Indianapolis); brothers: Bill (Sandy) Riddle (Belmont, NC) and Pat (Lorrie) Riddle (Virginia Beach, VA) as well as many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Steve and his son, Scott. 

A memorial gathering will be from 2-4 p.m. with a celebration of John’s life to begin at 4 p.m., on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Good Shepherd Chapel) – 9700 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250. 

Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the COPD Foundation (3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Miami, FL 33134) or the American Lung Association (American Lung Association, National Direct Response Headquarters - PO Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020-0756).