David L. Ridenour

David L. Ridenour was born August 14, 1929 in Bigheart, Oklahoma, near Barnsdall. He was the son of James Albert and Etta Leila Ridenour. David was raised in Osage County between Hominy, Skiatook and Barnsdall. He attended elementary school in a rural Osage County school, Mountain View and attended high school at Wild Horse.

Upon completion of his education, at the age of seventeen, David enlisted into the service of his country in the United States Navy. He served honorably during the Korean Conflict for nearly five years. Upon his discharge, David returned to Oklahoma and was married to Violet M. Rush on June 6, 1952 in Hominy, Oklahoma. The couple made their initial home for nearly seventeen years in the Bay area of California in Brisbane. Later the couple moved to Milpitas. During their stay in California, David was employed by Terminix in the pest control division.

The couple returned to Oklahoma in 1970, making Cleveland their home. David accepted employment with Flint Steel for a year and then began a career working for C. E. Natco as a welder. After nearly twelve years with the company, David retired on September 1, 1984. Shortly after his retirement, David decided he needed to return to the work force and accepted employment with Varner's Fabrication in Silver City where he continued to work for nearly ten more years, retiring in 1994.

David was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially enjoyed fishing in the creeks and rivers of Northeastern Oklahoma for catfish. He also enjoyed stock car racing, attending races nearly every Saturday night. He lived life to the fullest and was extremely proud of his family and loved spending time with them. Additionally, David like to tool leather, making many belts and wallets.

He passed away on Friday, July 9, 2004 at the Tulsa Regional Medical Center at the age of seventy-four years, ten months and twenty-five days. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Blanche Wilcoxson and Elsie Lunsford; and two brothers, Leon Ridenour and Cleo Ridenour.

David is survived by wife of fifty-two years, Violet M. Ridenour, of the home; son, David H. Ridenour, Tulsa, Oklahoma; daughter, Frances Lee Martin, Cleveland, Oklahoma; brother, Cecil Ridenour, Tulsa, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Tracy Lynn Monforte, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Joseph Lee Monforte of Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, July 12, 2004 at the Woodland Cemetery Chapel in Cleveland with Rev. Brad Hawkins officiating. Burial will at the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of the Chapman-Black Funeral Home.

Visit an online obituary and guestbook and for David L. Ridenour at www.chapman-black.com.