Charles Raymond Ridgway

Charles Raymond Ridgway of Pendleton, Indiana, eldest son of Russell and Ruby (Smith) Ridgway, was born February 23, 1923 in Jay County, Indiana. From the presence of a loving family, he passed peacefully to Eternal Life on April 17, 2018 at the age of 95 years.After retiring from working many years in factories, he pursued his avid interest in flying and became a flight instructor. He was an esteemed mentor of numerous pilots throughout the years.He answered the call of his Saviour and was baptized into the Old German Baptist Brethren Church on August 23, 1942 and remained a faithful servant of God until his death.On December 20, 1942 he was united in marriage to Jessie Ellen Filbrun. Together, they shared life’s joys and sorrows for 75 years. This union was blessed by six children. He is survived by his wife; and children, Linda Miller of Westphalia, Kansas, Leanna Collins of Daleville, Darrell Ridgway and wife, Susan of Anderson, Betty Bishop of Pendleton, and Steve Ridgway and wife, Sherry of San Antonio, Texas; and daughter-in-law, Melanie Ridgway. Charles was the oldest of 10 children and is survived by his sister, Dianna Keen; and three brothers, Robert Ridgway, David Ridgway and Fred Ridgway. He was blessed with 14 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and many cousins and friends.He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Duane Ridgway; grandson, Charles Skiles; a sister, Helen Pierson; brothers, Jack Ridgway, James Ridgway and two infants.A visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 20, 2018 at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Lahm Chapel, 211 E. State St., Pendleton, Indiana 46064. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Old German Baptist Brethren Church with the home brethren officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Pendleton.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.