Marvin Ray Riddle

Marvin Ray Riddle, 84, was born on March 25, 1931, in Abernathy, TX to William Radferd and Frances (Campbell) Riddle. He passed from this world on February 1, 2016. Marvin grew up working the family's farmland in southeastern Oklahoma. When his dad died, Marvin was still in high school and he took over many responsibilities unexpectedly. He graduated from Calera High School as a member of the Class of 1950. Marvin married his high school sweetheart, Mary Frances Owen on July 29, 1950. As a proud member of the Oklahoma National Guard, Marvin was called to serve in the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed leadership training and attained the rank of Master Sergeant, turning down a battlefield commission to return home to his new wife. They made their home in Ardmore and then moved to Tulsa where he worked first in the grocery business and later as a department head for Rainbo Baking Company from which he retired in 1993. Together, they raised two children and enjoyed living Marvin's dream of a country homestead just outside the city limits. Marvin was known in the community for his quick wit, and he always had a joke or a story to tell everyone with whom he came into contact. People who knew him well could quote his "Marvinisms" and chuckled as they recalled his impish grin that always accompanied them. Marvin served his church as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, treasurer, handyman, and whatever else was needed. He was always first to volunteer to help people in the church who were in need and organized more work parties than anyone could count, both at the church and in the community. One of his favorite community service projects was helping to build the station for their rural volunteer (Blackdog) fire department. He was proud of the decisions that he made, including the one to sell their beloved rural property and move into Tulsa when their health began to fail. He and Mary volunteered at their local food bank as long as they were able since feeding hungry children was a cause they wholeheartedly supported. A survivor of two strokes and a heart quad-bypass, he wrote his autobiography and spent the final season of his life cracking jokes as long as he could do so. He was preceded in death by his parents and five of his six siblings: Jerald Riddle, Dessie Mayhue, Edith Kent, Bill Riddle, and Ted Riddle. He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Riddle of the home; sister, Theresa Morgan of Amarillo, TX; one son, Larry Riddle and his wife, Kathy, of Tulsa; one daughter, Carol Friesen, and her husband, Duane, of Tulsa; one granddaughter, Christy (Friesen) Hinnant and her husband, Cody of San Antonio, TX; one great-granddaughter, Rebecca Hinnant, and one great-grandson, Grayson Hinnant, both also of San Antonio. A special thanks to the outstanding and caring staff of Legend at Mingo Road Assisted Living's Memory Care wing and to the wonderful and loving members of the A-Vow Hospice Team who attended him. Burial was at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in the Veterans Field of Honor. Donations requested for Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma (1304 N. Kenosha Ave., Tulsa, OK 74106 or online at: okfoodbank.org) designated to Food For Kids program. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com

Marvin Ray Riddle

March 25, 1931 - February 1, 2016