J.D. grew up in the Purdy and Cassville area and graduated high school there. He served in the United States Army during WWII as an Infantry Unit Commander. J.D. was awarded a Bronze Star from the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Following his time in the service he returned home and attended college. J.D. taught school in various places including Bronaugh and Nevada. For a time he also served as Deputy Sheriff for Vernon County. He resided in Bronaugh all of his adult life and was a member of Bronaugh Baptist Church.
Survivors include nephews, Roger McCoy, Carthage, MO, Jon McCoy, Carthage, Michael McCoy, Carthage, Loyd Henry Wilson, Carl Junction, MO; niece, Cheryle Kennedy, Springfield, MO; several great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; and special friends Ann and Gary Loudermilk, Bronaugh. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Emil Riddle, Johnnie Riddle, Herschel Riddle; and three sisters, Irma Knickerbacker, Nadene Wilson, Lujean McCoy.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Interment with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Butterfield, MO. Friends may call from 1-4:00 p.m. on Sunday and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Ferry Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested in his memory to Bronaugh High School Scholarship Fund in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
