Laverne "Vern" Riddle

LaVerne “Vern” Riddle was born January 26, 1943, in Keokuk, Iowa, to parents James Warren and Leona Sophia (Morris) Riddle.

Vern was raised in Montrose, Iowa. As a boy, his home was right next to the Mississippi River and the railroad tracks. This is where he developed a lifelong passion for trains and his beloved River. He moved to Keokuk when he was in high school and graduated from Keokuk Senior High.

He met and married Cecilia Kelly and had six children. Their family lived in Iowa, Minnesota, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Texas.  He loved adventure and traveled extensively as a pioneer in the technology industry. He loved to know how things worked and would take a problem and discover a solution.  Photography, woodworking, carving, camping, reading to learn, and creating small inventions were his favorite hobbies. He was never afraid to take on a challenge. His mind was always working, even when his body would not cooperate.

He'll always be known as “Silly Willy” and “Butter Belly”. As Silly Willy he loved entertaining children who had come to church to learn about Jesus. His nickname, Butter Belly, comes from a family trip when he dropped a pat of butter on his stomach, and he said, "Just call me Butter Belly". We did, and it stuck for the rest of his life.

The family experienced many national parks, museums, and historical places due to Vern’s quest to learn everything he could.

Vern was a man who loved people and his zest for life was evidenced by his great desire to be surrounded by the people he loved. If you were in his house, you were in his family.

He came to Christ in his early adult years. He has been involved in church in all of the places he lived. He has been an active member of Prestonwood Baptist Church for over 30 years.

Vern is survived by his loving wife Cecilia Riddle; children Lesa Flemons and her husband John of Lubbock, Texas, Annette Wims of Frisco, Texas, Timothy Riddle and his wife Rochelle of Pilot Point, Texas. Mark Riddle and his wife Vicki of Prosper, Texas, Nathan Riddle of McKinney, Texas and daughter in law Melissa Riddle; 11 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and brother Lowell "Butch" Riddle and his wife Diane of Boise, Idaho.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son Kurt Riddle and sister Letha Riddle

He was loved and will be missed greatly.

The family will receive friends for a visitation from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2024, at Allen Family Funeral Options.  The funeral will begin at 11:30 following the visitation, officiated by Pastor Mel Pugh.

If desired, a contribution may be made in Vern’s name to: Special Friends Ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church, 1001 W Prosper Trail, Prosper, Texas 75078.