Ledes from the Land of Enchantment

Jack Riddle Obituary – Death Notice and Service Information

Merlin E. “Jack” Riddle, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022.

The family will receive friends between 6 and 7:30 pm Monday, April 4, 2022 at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Crestview Memorial Park with Pastor Terry Grace, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.

Jack was born on October 30, 1936 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to William Jay Merlin Riddle and Laveta Bullock Riddle. In 1955, Jack moved to Farmington, New Mexico where he graduated high school, and joined the United States Air Force in June of the same year. He worked in aircraft maintenance before becoming an engineer on the C130. In 1958, while stationed at SAFB, Jack met the love of his life, Naoma Watson, at P3 restaurant. It was love at first site and they married on June 6, 1959. During his military career, Jack flew all over the world including several missions during the Vietnam War. He and Naoma also lived several places in the US and overseas. Jack proudly served our country for 20 years, retiring in 1975. After retirement from the military, he went on to work for Wilson Manufacturing until it closed. Jack enjoyed his military career and talked of it often.

Jack was drawn back to his love of aircraft and began a second career launching and recovering T-38 airplanes on the flight line at SAFB that lasted over 20 years. He also picked back up a childhood hobby of building model airplanes and hand painting them with great detail. Some were made for special individuals and many of them are still on display at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his two brothers, Joe Lee Riddle and Robert Wayne Riddle.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Naoma Marie (Watson) Riddle; three daughters, Annette Marie Riddle of Abilene, Kristi Lynn Metcalf and husband Ronald, and Jean Taylor and husband Chris all of Wichita Falls; his four beloved grandchildren, Layton Taylor of Oregon, Lauren Taylor, Mason Metcalf, and Justin Metcalf all of Wichita Falls; his brother-in-law, Kelly Watson; his sister-in-law, Stella Kuehler and husband Greg; and numerous nieces and nephews he loved very much.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com

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