Frank B. Ridlon Jr.

1933 - 2017

Frank B. Ridlon Jr. obituary, 1933-2017, Cedar Creek, TX

BORN

1933

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home

505 Old Austin Highway

Bastrop, Texas

Frank Ridlon Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 14, 2017.

Frank Burleigh Ridlon Jr. was born at home in Yarmouth, Maine, on March 2, 1933, at the end of the Great Depression. He was the second of three sons and one daughter born to Frank "Burleigh" Ridlon and Elvina DeRoche Ridlon. His family called him "Brother"; folks in town soon knew him as Popeye. He spent most of his free time hanging out along the Royal River, swimming, fishing, skating, and exploring. His grandfather was a significant influence in his life. Frank was usually accompanied by his dog Dopey, who would pull his sled over the snow in winter. His memories include hunting and fishing trips with his dad and uncle, often to the Rangely Lakes area.

Frank attended North Yarmouth Academy, a private prep school, because the town had no public high school and so paid for local students to attend. He graduated in 1951; the next day he and four buddies enlisted in the service. Frank joined the Air Force, attended Air Force Technical School at Keesler AFB in Mississippi, and became an airborne radio operator as part of the Strategic Air Command, flying air refueling missions aboard KC-97s. He spent time at Randolph Field in San Antonio, TX; March AFB in Riverside, CA, and Murphy Dome in Alaska, among other sites. He was honorably discharged in 1960. He was married in 1953, and had three children, David, Donna, and Debbie. In 1959, while stationed in Mississippi, Frank obtained his Amateur Radio Operator license, and as K1LVU, became an active "ham radio" operator.

Frank worked on electronic test equipment for Hughes Aircraft in Los Angeles, and spent 1 ½ years on field assignment in Idaho on the Titan missile project. After his first marriage ended, he remarried, and added two daughters, Anne and Jennifer, to his family. He returned to the Riverside, CA area, and over the next 13 years worked as an electronic technician for Bournes, Inc. There he maintained electronic test equipment. During this time, Frank became involved in motorcycle racing at local tracks, often competing with riders 20 years his junior. He raced Flat Track and TT, and participated in the Elsinore Grand Prix. He also cultivated a love for country music, and played bass in a country band, the "So and So's", in local nightclubs.
In 1976, Frank found himself single again. He was introduced to a young kindergarten teacher on a blind date. Eight months later, on October 2, 1976, he and Louise Bensema were married in Pomona, CA, a partnership that was to last 40 years. As he often said, it seemed like he was always starting over, and about this time he began working for Dictaphone Corporation as a field service representative. He traveled around a three-county area servicing dictating and transcribing systems for customers.

Frank and Louise enjoyed the outdoors, and were involved in the local camera club. They took a backpacking class at Riverside City College, and soon began hiking in the Eastern Sierras above Lone Pine. They bought a house in Rancho Cucamonga, and in 1979, their son Brian was born. Frank was to change jobs yet again: in 1979 he went to work as a senior electronic technician for Safetran Systems Corporation, testing and repairing grade crossing predictors and motion sensor equipment on railroads; then in 1985 for Lockheed Aircraft Service Co., where he tested and repaired digital flight data recorders (aka "Black Boxes").

Frank enjoyed taking on new challenges. He had always wanted to fly, so he took lessons to obtain a private pilot's license. After a few flights in light aircraft, he decided to go even lighter, and pursued hang gliding for five years (beginning at age 50). He flew regularly off Crestline in the San Bernardino mountains. At age 55, he enrolled in SCUBA diving lessons, and was an assistant instructor for NAUI classes. He made many dive trips to the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast, and to Ensenada and Cozumel, Mexico.

Frank retired from Lockheed in 1995. He enjoyed traveling on family camping trips, and spending time fishing and boating at an RV campground in Blythe, CA, then later from the family's mountain cabin in Twin Peaks, CA. He and Louise made many trips up the California coastline to Morro Bay to escape the summer heat.

Although a heart attack and other health issues curtailed some of Frank's activities, he continued to ride motorcycles (touring bikes, including a Gold Wing sidecar rig) and go on hiking trips. He climbed to the summit of Mt. Baldy and Mt. Langley, among other peaks. He shared his musical talents singing in the choir at Lincoln Avenue Reformed Church in Pomona, and sang and played bass in the church praise band.

In 2004, Frank and Louise traveled to Cedar Creek, TX, to visit sister Gwen. Louise was nearing retirement after 34 years teaching, and the open spaces and country life of Central Texas immediately appealed to them both. They soon bought a lot in Cedar Creek and made plans to relocate within the next year. It wasn't long before Frank was once again singing in the choir and playing bass in the church praise band at Cedar Creek United Methodist Church. Frank and Louise eventually formed a band, "Cedar Creek Revival", where Frank could croon country tunes to make the ladies swoon!

Learning about their new home was important, so Frank and Louise joined the Lost Pines chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, and it wasn't long before they were involved in volunteer projects including trail work and maintenance, leading guided hikes, participating in plant and animal surveys, and teaching classes of fifth graders at the local state parks. They enjoyed many camping and birding trips in their new home state. Within the next few years, sons Brian and David and families followed the trail to Texas, and now all live within walking distance of one another. In the last three years, Frank has enjoyed having his children and grandchildren gather from all over the country for family reunions at the "homestead".

Frank was known for his warm smile, quiet confidence, and readiness to help in any situation. He loved life, exploring new experiences, and sharing stories. He loved his family, his animals, and his Lord, and was ready to go when God called him home after a series of health issues.

Frank Burleigh Ridlon, Jr. passed from this life July 13, 2017 at the age of 84. He will be sorely missed, but everyone who knew him would agree that their lives were made richer by spending time with Frank.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edward and Ronald Ridlon.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Louise Ridlon; 6 children, David Ridlon and his wife Rhanda, Donna Ridlon Smith, Debbie Walker and her husband Phil, Anne Ridlon, Jennifer Ridlon, Brian Ridlon and his wife Jennifer; sister, Gwen Ridlon Bunnell and her husband Jerry; 11 grandchildren, Steven, Leila, April, Kristina, Leanne, David, Sierra, Anthony, Cory, Ashley, Kaleigh; 10great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his special friends, Bart (the little lap dog), Miss Brown (the elderly grey and white cat), Tasha (the crazy Siamese rescue cat), Ferdinand (the little black sheep), and two miniature horses, Blue eyed Elaine and Shazaam.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
The Wounded Warrior Project, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Cedar Creek United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice, in honor of Frank B. Ridlon, Jr.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home in Bastrop, Texas. A Celebration of Frank's Life will be at 11:00am on Monday, July 17, 2017 at the Cedar Creek United Methodist Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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August 4, 2017

Oh, yes, Frank found his thrill on Blueberry Hill. We are glad to have welcomed him into our family as a brother. Frank was very talented and generous with his help; he showed me how to repair a leaking faucet. He loved children and animals and the man sure knew how to wear a hat. Louise introduced him to a lot of interests and he shared a lot of interests with her and Brian. A man of opposites, he was a laconic, lobster-loving Yankee who embraced the Wild West and became the Lucky Texan. He was modest yet he was a Ham. A type-T personality, seeking thrills, speed and excitement who also could appreciate reclining in front of the TV with a Martini. Frank was courageous and did things his way, but realized it was time to let the Lord take his hand and lead him home. We will miss you Frank. ~ Vicki and Alex

July 28, 2017

Chuck McClung

Frank is the only person who could - or would - do an impersonation of Louis Armstrong while dancing "The Slime." I will never forget that - ever! He might also have been playing the autoharp but I was laughing too hard and my eyes were closed.

July 27, 2017

Sincere condolences to the family. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure in your heart and it lives forever. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace, Hosea 13:14.

July 20, 2017

Louise

Honey, I know Jack-dog was there to greet you when you arrived in Heaven, and that you and he are enjoying the company of so many friends and family members who have gone before. I love you forever!

Posted by Louise

July 16, 2017

Marsha Elrod

Louise, you and Frank are cornerstones of my TMN experience, especially those "early days" at McRoughs and the whole bio-census experiment/experience. It was such grand fun! I remember all of us hiking along, exchanging opinions about potential ID's, Frank's quiet smiling, your assured laughing, and my regretting that I hadn't paid more attention in biology class!

I read Frank's obit and am both awed and humbled by all he did in and with his life; he exemplifies "Renaissance Man." It at once shamed and inspired me: life has so much to offer, you have only to reach out and grab it! No wonder the "kindergarten teacher was swept away - how blessed you were!!

I send my thoughts, prayers, and love to you and all your family.
Marsha

July 16, 2017

Kathy McAleese

Frank and Louise became my friends in 2006 when we became Master Naturalists together. I will remember Frank as a quiet, sweet man who always had a friendly smile to share. Sending my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved Frank, and keeping you close in thoughts and prayers.

July 15, 2017

Gwen Bunnell

My Brother, my friend, my rock. I love you and miss you. Until we meet again.

July 15, 2017

Lori, Nick, Taryn and Anthony Mannella

It has been many years of having Frank in my life because of my Brother (in-law), Brian. From the house in Rancho all the way to Texas myself and my family have always been welcome. When my family moved to San Antonio we would drive up to visit when the girls were visiting from California for the summer. We would stay over the weekend and just hangout enjoying being away from the city and enjoy nature. Occasionally even drive up for Thanksgiving just to be with family. Soon Frank became Grandpa Frank to my kids too. My kiddos are treated like they are of his flesh and blood. Grandpa Frank you have touched our lives more then words could ever say. It was such on honor to call you family. You will truly be missed. Thank you for blessing us with your never ending love, friendship, and family. We love you Grandpa Frank!

July 15, 2017

Liz Pullman

In thinking back to 2009, the Ridlons were two of the first people I met at the Master Naturalist classes. Seeing you two as foundations of the chapter gave me the incentive to really become involved in the volunteer work there. I will keep you in my thoughts, Louise.

July 15, 2017

Angela De Bello Herrera

God Bless you and keep you in his light.

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Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home

505 Old Austin Highway, Bastrop, TX 78602

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