Jerry Ridley

Gerald F. “Jerry” Ridley, age 83, formerly of Washington, IA, died Monday, September 26, 2016 at his home in Mission, TX. A graveside service and interment with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, October 20, 2016 at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, IA. The family will receive friends at the Washington Golf and Country Club following the graveside service. Memorials can be made in Jerry’s memory to the Iowa Varsity Club, N411 Carver Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, IA 52242-1020 or IPH Hospice Care, 1100 Jasmine Ave #203, McAllen, TX 78501. Jones & Eden Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent for Jerry’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com. Jerry was born on March 6, 1933 in Brookfield, IL, the son of DeElda and Frank Ridley. He graduated from Riverside/Brookfield High School in 1951 and continued his education at the University of Iowa, graduating in June 1955. Jerry married Judy Arthur in December 1955 and they had four sons. Jerry and Judy later divorced. While attending the University of Iowa, Jerry was a member of the Iowa Hawkeye Basketball team and won the Big Ten Championship his senior year. The Hawkeyes played in the NCAA Final Four Championship games in 1954 and 1955. He continued to be an avid Iowa Hawkeye Fan his entire life. Jerry was a member of the Phi Ka Alpha Fraternity. He was active in ROTC during college and joined the Air Force following graduation. Jerry was honorably discharged as a Captain. Jerry was a Salesman his entire working career. Following his military service, he worked for his father-in-law, Bob Arthur, at the Washington Concrete Company. He was the Sales Manager for Fansteel Manufacturing Company (Washington Mfg. Co.) until his retirement. There he met and later married his second wife, Becky Waters. Golf was always a very important part of Jerry’s life. He was a member of the Washington Golf and Country Club and served on the board. He was also a member of the YMCA, Y’s Men, Rotary and the Washington Ambassadors. Jerry enjoyed sales, traveling, meeting people and entertaining. After retirement, Jerry and Becky enjoyed wintering in Florida and Texas, eventually becoming full time residents of Texas. He is survived by his wife, Becky Ridley; his four sons: Randy R. Ridley and wife Susan of Vienna, VA; Scott F. Ridley of Frederick, MD; Eric J. Ridley and wife Gloria of Bedford, PA; and Matthew G. Ridley and wife Michelle of Gaithersburg, MD; a stepdaughter, Nanette (Scheeler) Robinson of Rochester, MN; four grandchildren: Lauren White and husband Steven of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Sondra Ridley and fiancé Logan Thomas of Virginia Beach, VA; and Jacqueline “Jackee” Robinson and Nicolas Robinson of Cedar Rapids, IA; and one great-granddaughter, Adrianna Robinson. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his ex-wife and the majority of his immediate family.

Jerry Ridley

March 6, 1933 - September 26, 2016