Obituary

River Claims Riddle's Life

Body Taken from River on Friday

Raymond E. Riddle, 43, son of Mrs. Daisy Riddle, City, was the victim of accidental drowning in the Little Kanawha River above Elizabeth the middle of last week.

He was last seen by his mother at home about 11 p.m. Wednesday night, when he told her he had to "attend to some business up town." Later that night (between 1 and 3 a.m. Thursday) his boat, with an outboard motor, was heard by different residents traveling up and down past town. He did not return home and the next day his mother notified authorities.

A search by a party headed by Sheriff Harry L. James found his boat near the mouth of Two Ripple Creek in back of the Gretta Williams farm late afternoon Thursday and dragging operations were begun, and continued until dark. The river dragging with grappling hooks was resumed Friday morning and Riddle's body was found by George Law, a river veteran, about 10 a.m. near the spot where his partially sunk boat had been found, with an empty gasoline can floating on the water nearby.

Dr. R.W. Coplin, Wirt County Coroner, pronounced his death due to accidental drowning.

He was born March 15, 1911, here, and was a painter by occupation. He served four years in the U.S. Army during World War II, with one year of service in Alaska. He was a member of Wirt Post No. 55, the American Legion.

Survivors, besides his mother, are two brothers: Horace (Pat) Riddle, of Parkersburg, and Okey Riddle, of Baltimore; and three sisters: Mrs. Anna James, of Mineral Wells, Mrs. Alma Lantz and Mrs. Cassie Schultz, both of Baltimore.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m.; Sunday from the Pomroy-Mace Funeral Home, City, with the Rev. Robert J. Topping, City, and the Rev. G.B. Van Horn, Parkersburg, officiating. Interment was in the local K. of P. Cemetery, with members of the American Legion Post here conducting military graveside rites.