Thomas Allen Ridenour, age 80, passed away January 13, 2024, surrounded by family after a battle with prostate cancer.
Born June 3, 1943, in Hicksville, OH to Carl and Eva Ridenour. He grew up in a farming family and was the oldest of four siblings.
He graduated from Hicksville High School in 1961 where he excelled in academics along with playing football, baseball, and basketball. After graduation he moved to West Point, NY where he attended the distinguished US Military Academy, West Point, 1961 – 1965. After graduating, he entered the US Air Force with his first assignment in Colorado Springs in 1965. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, Peggy Wyse.
Tom and Peggy married August 6, 1967, in Canon City, CO. The newlyweds lived in Tachikawa, Japan 1968 – 1971, where their daughter Pam was born in 1969. After his assignment ended in 1971, they returned to Colorado Springs where he was discharged from the Air Force as a Captain. Shortly after, he started work for the Civil Service. He worked in a variety of positions over his 26-year career, and retired from US Army Space Command on January 3, 1997, as a GS 12 Management Analyst.
Throughout the years, Tom enjoyed coaching, golfing, fishing, photography, Colorado Rockies baseball, traveling, and attending his grandkids events. He was a generous man who found it important to support a variety of charities.
Tom is survived by his wife, Peggy Ridenour of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter, Pam (Ned) Lehman of Parker, CO; son, Daryn (Rachael) Ridenour of Poncha Springs, CO; siblings: Sandy (Michael) Miller of Columbus, OH and David (Cindy) Ridenour of Santa Maria, CA. He was the proud papa of 6 grandchildren: Taylor Lowe, Cole (Nicole) Lehman, Alex (Eric) Siemens, Carly Lehman, Emma Lehman, and Charlie Ruderman-Pratt; and his favorite dog, Sadie.
He was predeceased by his parents; and sister, Sally Hendryx.
The Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 10:00 am at Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910 with a reception to follow.
Jan Farish
20 Jan 2024Dear Peggy and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear your sad news.
Jim and I always enjoyed visiting with you and Tom and sharing laughter along with Herb and Patsy. Many happy times and memories!
With Love,
Jan Farish
Bill & Barb Nelson
21 Jan 2024We were so shocked to see Tom’s obituary in today’s paper. We send our condolences to you and all of your family, especially Peggy. We will be at the Celebration of Life service Saturday. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Casey Hostetler
27 Jan 2024Daryn and family, your dad was Coach Ridenour to me. He was my coach for several years in little league baseball. Not only was he my coach but he took time out of his day to pick me up and take me to baseball practice on several days. I’ll never forget it. He taught me so much in baseball and in life. He was the first coach I could remember, and I’ll never forget him because of the impact he had on my life. Rest in peace Tom aka Coach Ridenour. You touched a lot of lives, mine included. My condolences go out to the Ridenour family. Love you all.