Charles “Chuck” Richard Ridenour, Sr., age 76, of Shelby, died Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015 at the home of his son, Chuck, in Shelby.
Chuck was born on March 9, 1939, in Shelby to Cecil and Thelma (Dailey) Ridenour. A 1957 graduate of Shelby High School, he was a proud Democrat and his yearbook quote reflected that, “And I say again, once a Democrat, always a Democrat.”
Chuck worked for several years at AMF in Shelby where he met the mother of his children, Carol (Kaylor) Ridenour, who survives him. For 34 years, he worked as a die-maker at Fisher Body (General Motors) in Ontario retiring in 2000.
Throughout his life, Chuck was an avid bowler, but had not bowled since the closure of the Rhythm Bowl in Shelby. He served for several years as the Secretary of the Shelby Bowling Association, in which his team held the high score for a five-man team. Chuck was also a member of the Owls Club in Shelby.
A history buff, he loved researching his family genealogy and had tracked his family lineage back several centuries. An avid NASCAR and Green Bay Packers fan, Chuck’s son Craig had gotten an autographed football and photo of Aaron Rodgers for him when he began his third battle with cancer.
An “early riser,” he enjoyed catching up with the ladies at the Mickey Mart over a cup of coffee every morning. Chuck was an ardent supporter of his grandchildren’s endeavors, attending as many as he was able. He was truly one-of-a-kind and will be sorely missed.
Chuck is survived by his children: Charles R. (Pam) Ridenour II, of Shelby, Carl (Rhonda) Ridenour, of Shelby, Craig (Tanya) Ridenour, of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and Cathy (David) Green, of Shelby; nine grandchildren: Charles R. Ridenour III, Blake Ridenour, Austin Ridenour, Don Velli, Brooke Ridenour, Chelsea Ridenour, Sara Ridenour, Jordan Green, and Logan Green: two brothers: Tom (Rosemary) Ridenour, of Shelby, and Roger (Jean) Ridenour, of Mullins, South Carolina; four sisters: Lee Anne McKinney, of Palmer, Texas, Linda Ostrom, of Mount Gilead, Pam Ridenour, of Homerville, and Carol (Jay) Rott, of Zanesville; and by his canine friend, Bartley.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his canine friend, Cotton.
Friends are invited to call at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 W. Main St., Shelby, on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, from 4 to 7 p.m. A service honoring Chuck’s life will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015 at 10 a.m. with Rev. S.T. Adkins officiating. Burial will follow next to his parents in Maple Hill Cemetery in Homerville, Ohio.
Chuck was extremely proud and supportive of his family. His daughter, Cathy, is a breast cancer survivor and a contribution to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Columbus Affiliate would be meaningful to both Chuck’s memory and his family instead of flowers.
To leave a condolence or share a memory of Chuck, please visit: www.turnerfuneralhomeshelby.com.
