Charles Don Ridenour, 21 May 1925 - 24 Aug 2007

RIDENOUR GEIGER, DEBONT, KINZLER, DAY

Posted By: Netha M Meyer (email)
Date: 8/26/2007 at 17:28:35

Charles Don Ridenour was born on May 21, 1925 near Keswick, Iowa, the son of Charles Sherman and Margaret Elizabeth Geiger Ridenour. He lived in the Keswick community all of his life. Don graduated from Keswick High School in 1943 and served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Don was united in marriage to Verna Elaine DeBont on July 22, 1945 at the United Methodist Church in Keswick. Besides farming near Keswick for over 50 years, he served as a supply pastor for every United Methodist Church in Keokuk County. He started ministering in 1984, was a United Methodist Conference Lay Leader and was a delegate to five General and Jurisdiction Conferences. Don was on the Board of Directors of Heifer Project International for 11 years and helped establish the Heifer Project in Iowa. He made several trips to South and Central America and across the United States with the Heifer Project. He also served as Pastor at the Kinross Christian Church for 20 years and North English Christian Church for 10 years. Don was a member of the James Murphy Post #319 of the American Legion where he has been the chaplain since 1946. He was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports. He loved people and helping them. He went to be with the Lord at his home near Keswick on Friday, August 24, 2007. Don lived 82 years, 3 months and 3 days. He is survived by sons Robert W. Ridenour and wife Kerri of Double Oak, TX and Wendell D. Ridenour and wife Christine of Keswick, IA; a daughter Jenny E. Ellis and husband David of Waterloo, IA; 11 grandchildren; 1 great grandson; 6 step grandchildren; and 8 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Searle, Newel and Dean Ridenour, and sisters Roine Kinzler and Doris Day. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Keswick United Methodist Church at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 29, 2007. Pastor Richard Speening, Pastor Emery Wallace and Charles Ridenour will officiate. Burial with military rites will be in the Golden Rod Cemetery in Deep River, IA with Pastor Kirk Statler officiating. Visitation will be held at the Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English on Tuesday, August 28, 2007 from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM with the family being present from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Powell Funeral Home, North English
Cedar Rapids Gazette 26 Aug 07, 5b