Ricky Riddle

Ricky "Rick" R. Riddle, 65, passed away Monday morning March 23 at his home surrounded by family.  Rick was born August 5, 1954 in Vincennes, Indiana. After moving to Lee's Summit, Rick became an avid and exceptional athlete.  He made time for working part-time jobs, water skiing, fishing, and riding bikes & his motorcycle.  Rick loved everything outdoors and had a great love for all animals.  While attending Lee's Summit HS he received many outstanding athletic awards including; lettering in Baseball, Basketball, and Football. He received All State, 2nd Team All-State, was Regional Champs, District Champs, 1st Team All-Conference, Honorary Mention All-Conference etc. After graduating Rick received baseball scholarships to play at Crowder Junior College in Neosho, Mo then transferred to UCM in Warrensburg, where he was catcher for the Mules.  Rick received a BS in Education in 1979 and was a member of AKL Fraternity.  Warrensburg is where Rick met and married his wife of 40 years, Barb. During this time, he enjoyed playing on the men's softball team and had many great memories at the In-Between. Barb and Rick married Sept. 1st, 1979 and were then blessed with 2 children Raelyn & Tyler.

His planning and going on vacations and trips with them were his highlight and will never be forgotten.  Rick taught middle school PE and Health and coached for 19 years in the Holden School District.  He started the Baseball Program and coached Varsity girls’ basketball where they qualified for State 2 years in a row--becoming 2A State Champions in 1987-88 with a record of 28-0.  Rick was then inducted into the Missouri high school coaches Hall of Fame. His summers were spent working KU basketball camps with Roy Williams and teaching driver's education for Lee's Summit school district.   He took his daughter (Raelyn) with him to many of his summer basketball camps. Many fond memories were also made of Rick coaching Raelyn's traveling basketball teams and Tyler's traveling baseball teams. Rick then retired from Holden, moving back to Lee's Summit where he taught and coached at Smith Hale Middle School. After retiring from teaching Rick worked driving his "friends” from Brookdale Senior Living Facility for five years.  He had also worked for Missouri Conservation at James A Reed and for KC Driveaway in Belton.  Rick enjoyed taking his dogs to the dog park, riding in his mustang convertible, loved mowing his big yard, and enjoyed gardening and planting his pepper and tomato plants.  His most joy came from being with his grandchildren.

Rick leaves his wife Barb of the home, daughter Raelyn Funk and husband Tanner, granddaughter Adelle Funk and grandson Channing Funk all of Olathe, KS.  Son Tyler Riddle of LS, Mother Beverly Riddle of LS, Sister Tammy Harding and husband Mark of LS.  Two nieces Lexi & Tori of San Diego, CA.  Aunts Uncles many cousins and a multitude of friends from everywhere. And most special his 2 fur babies-- huskies Skye & Zeus.  Preceding Rick in death are his dad, Jack. And his maternal grandma Verna.  A celebration of Rick's life will be held at a later date.  Arrangements by Longview Funeral Home, kc mo.

After his courageous 8-year battle with this cancer, his family is both relieved but mostly saddened by his passing. During his adversity, we have deeply appreciated the support from family and friends. We are thankful for Heavenly Father's plan of happiness which gives us reassurance of an eventual reunion.

A celebration of Rick's life will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 11am at Longview Funeral Home, with visitation from 10-11am.  Following a brief committal service at Longview Cemetery, guests are invited back to the family's home for lunch.  In lieu of flowers, you may make memorial donations to his grandchildren's continuing education fund: Adelle and Channing (parents; Raelyn & Tanner Funk) whom he adored.