HOWARD P. RIDDLE

Howard P. Riddle, or Riddle as we all so affectionately called him, was 96 years old when he passed away peacefully on June 10, 2018 at home.  Born in Philadelphia, TN, he was one of eight children born to Arthur and Alice Riddle. He is pre-deceased by his brothers, Boyd, Sam, and Nathan; sisters, Ruth and Mary. He especially missed his long-time companion and traveling adventurer of over 40 years, Helen Alexander of DeKalb.  Riddle is survived by his sisters, Bernice Harvey and Josephine Hensley, both of Tennessee. He also leaves behind many that were like children to him: Shirlee (Ed) Davis, Marsha Royalty, Lorlie (Jerry) Schwartz, Melissa (Randy)Coppert and Doc Royalty. Those missing their "grandfather" are Shay Maunu, Clint and Shaun Kramer, Brent and Kaylee Davis, John Vera, Damien Cuevas, Chelsea Royalty and Cassie Meier as well as many, many "great grandchildren."

Riddle was a distinguished Naval Aviator who was a three-war veteran, fighting in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. His actions as a Navy fighter pilot of the P-12, P-26 and a variety of other aircraft were instrumental to mission accomplishments and reflect distinct honor put upon himself, his squadron, and the United States Navy.  After 34 years in the Navy and retiring, he settled in DeKalb and eventually retired from NIU also.

Riddle wasn't just a war hero. Riddle was also an adventurer, traveling the country with Helen, skydiving at the age of 93, going on an Honor Flight to Arlington at age 94,  hot air ballooning at the age of 95, and his final Nascar Race at age 96, living the life many of us aspire to live. Riddle never met a person he didn't call a friend, and was a fierce protector of those he loved. He was a walking GPS, and could give you directions to the best little honky- tonk in Nashville, to the Nascar races in Florida, Arizona or California, or to the glaciers in Alaska  – even if he hadn't been there himself! He was a jack-of-all-trades, and could "repair" a broken clock, a watch, a plane engine, a nuclear warhead, or..… you get the picture!

There are some people who come into our lives and quietly go, and others who stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same. Riddle was the latter, that rare and special someone that impacts everyone he crossed paths with, and he will be dearly, dearly missed.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Dr. Thakkar, whose help Riddle begrudgingly accepted after self diagnosing for nearly 40 years, the team at Interventional Radiology and Heartland Hospice, for caring for Riddle and helping him to live his life to the fullest.  We would also like to acknowledge his      " Buddy" Chelsea who moved in with him several months ago to assist in his care so that we could fulfill his request of being able to stay at home.

In lieu of flowers, please take a page from Riddle's book, and be kind to each other, help your neighbor, make a new friend, and make sure you LIVE this adventure called life.

Arrangements are being made by Finch Funeral Home, DeKalb for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on June 26 (his 97 ^th birthday) from 5-8 PM at Four Seasons Sports in Sycamore.