Daily Independent (Ashland, KY)

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March 3, 2012

Cecil Edward Riddle - 1918-2012

The Independent

ASHLAND — Cecil Edward Riddle was born May 16, 1918, and died Feb. 15, 2012.

Cecil was born on the Cyrus farm in Durbin, to Joseph W. Riddle and Bertha Alley Riddle.

He grew up in Ashland (Normal), on Muncy Street and attended Ashland High and Ashland Community College. He worked on many structural steel projects under the tutelage of his father and uncles in the tri-state area. In 1941, Cecil joined the Army Air Force and headed to WWII as a navigator in the Pacific with the 5th Air Force 22nd bomb group. After WWII, he continued in the Air Force until the Korean War broke out and he became part of the 13th bomb squadron. Cecil’s military life was filled with near mishaps. One was documented in the oral history “Home on One Engine.”  While in the service, Cecil was the recipient of many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Air Force Commendation Medals. After the wars, he was sent by the Air Force to MIT where he received his bachelor’s in engineering. Following graduation, Cecil joined the space program and worked on the Agena, Apollo and Maverick projects.  In late 1961, he met the woman with whom he would complete his earthly journey, Lillian Kehoe Boylan. They were married in 1962. After 28 years in the Air Force, Cecil retired to northern San Diego County and raised avocados. He soon decided he wasn’t quite ready for retirement so he returned to work at Hughes Aircraft. Ten years later, Cecil finally hung up his suits and enjoyed retired life with his wife.  Cecil was a revered husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and cousin.

He was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Lillian; his brother, Millard; his parents, Joseph and Bertha Riddle; and Riddle cousins, Harry, Frank, Ralph, Margaret and Junior (June).

Cecil is survived by children, Cecilia Riddle, Debra Tester, and Daniel Boylan (Karen); three grandchildren, Heidi Creal (Trent), Jacob Jett (Jill) and Jennifer Osburg (Jon) and one great-granddaughter, Madeline Vollman.

He is also survived by cousins, Ann Riddle Mansfield, Robert “Bob” Riddle (Shelby), Roberta Riddle Dixon Tuttle, and Clarence Schatz, their children and grandchildren. Cecil was buried beside his wife at the Oakhill Cemetery in Escondido, Calif.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to their father’s physicians,  Dr. Loren Novak, Dr. Paul Sarkaria and Dr. Richard Barager, who gave him quality of life with their loving care.

In memory of Cecil, please thank a veteran for his sacrifice and your freedom. Until we meet again Dad, off you go into the wild blue yonder.

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