CLOVIECE LEONARD RIDDLES was born the youngest son of Leonard Clinton Riddles and Annie Matilda Riddles on October 7, 1933 in the rural area near Hastings, OK. He passed from this earthly life on October 17, 2012, after being in failing health over the last couple of years. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, October 22 nd @ 10:30 am at the Ferguson Funeral Home located at 804 Utah Avenue in Chickasha, OK.
Cloviece began his 46 year career with The Public Service Company of Oklahoma at the early age of 16 years old. He earned his High School GED and under the guidance of Public Service Management he grew into a unique and respected professional much admired by his peers and leaders.
After being transferred to the Chickasha area he met the love of his life, Rena Fern Combs and they married on April 11, 1953. To their union, two baby girls were born. First Deborah Gale, who only visited this earth for a short time. Next came Deniece Ann, the pride and joy of her parents.
Cloviece was well known in the Chickasha area as the man who kept the lights on. He never shyed away from hard work….. the hottest summer day, the snow and the ice…. He often said when others were going to the cellars for safety…. He was on his way to work. He had a great balance in his life. His God, His family and His work. He was a role model to many young men who followed after him.
Cloviece, Fern & Deniece made their church home at First Baptist where they served in many capacities. Cloviece especially enjoyed Thursday night visitation, Sunday School and serving as an usher. Both Cloviece and Fern were very involved in Deniece’s public education as well as her piano studies. He particularly loved accompanying Deniece to her piano lessons at the home of Raymond Culp.
When Deniece married her husband, Robert Chaplin, the Riddles finally had their “son.” Life afforded those four many precious times and memories. Among them an OU National Championship in Miami, Florida, a World’s Fair trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, Vacations to Nashville and New Orleans and many years of OU / TX weekend trips. Cloviece experienced his first commercial flight with Robert & Deniece in December, 2010. He enjoyed cookouts on the beach, sightseeing in Sarasota, Florida, and a wide variety of great food.
Cloviece was welcomed in heaven by a host of family including his wife, Rena Fern, his baby daughter, Deborah Gayle, his parents Leonard & Annie Riddles, his two brothers, LeRoy and Chester Riddles and a host of aunts & uncles, cousins and many friends.
He leaves behind for a while, his daughter and son-in-law, Deniece & Robert Chaplin of Oklahoma City. He also leaves his cousins, Jerry & Helen Weaver and Frances & Lester Cox, all of Oklahoma City. Wanda Barth of Norman and Jimmy & Donna Stephens of Oklahoma City.
He leaves his two sister-in-laws, Mary Dane Riddles and Charlene Riddles. He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Jerry Don Riddles, Malinda Graham & Brenda Burns all from Texas and Ben Riddles, Patricia Mooneyham and Billie Jean all from Oklahoma.
Cloviece’s family wants to express their deepest gratitude to the Care Team Home Health staff for their loving attention and Life Line Hospice caregivers all from Chickasha. His care in Oklahoma City was delivered at Emeritus Assisted Living and also supported by Mission Hospice. Our appreciation cannot be adequately expressed in words. Thank You ALL for what you do! Special Thanks and love to family & friends for the many acts of kindness, prayers and support extended to our family.
Interment will be in the Fairlawn Cemetery under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home of Chickasha.