Samuel R. Ridenhour

Samuel Ray Ridenhour, 78, of Emory, Texas, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care. Sam and his wife Donna, had been staying in the Clay City, Indiana area to care for family members for the past few years, but call Texas home.

Sam was born in Amarillo, Texas, one of six children born to Thomas and Letha Jane Ridenhour. After graduating high school, Sam worked on the Alaskan Pipeline, x-raying the pipeline to ensure the pipe welds were properly sealed. He traveled many parts of the world through his work, both across the U.S and South America. In 1990, Sam started Ridenhour Construction Company where he did residential and commercial building and remodeling throughout North Texas and the surrounding areas. He retired in 2017.

Sam could build anything, fix ALL the things, was the best Pappy, and the best fishing buddy. He was always so patient in his teaching (at least when we listened…) and taught us so much about all things construction, being independent, and the love of family. He could look as burly and mean as a bear, but was a teddy bear on the inside when it came to his family. His door was always open and he would give you the shirt off his back if you truly needed help. He taught us how to fight and always do what we thought was right. From little things to major change, we always knew his love would be the same. Life will never be the same without Pappy, but we are thankful he is completely out of pain.

Sam leaves behind his loving wife Donna Sue (Edwards) Ridenhour; daughters Amy (Matt) Lockaby, Karen Jaconetty, and Michelle (Chris) McNeill; grandchildren: Grant Lockaby, Josh Lockaby, Alexis (Jordan) Reither, Caylie (Sheldon) Raines, Ashleigh McNeill, Landon McNeill, Grace McNeill, Brianna McNeill, Hannah McNeill, Samuel McNeill, Madelynn McNeill, Ayden McNeill, and Sarah Mae McNeill; great-grandchildren: Marshall Maddox, Abigail Reither, and great-grandbaby John Carter on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom, and Letha Ridenhour; siblings: Shirley Oglesby, Bobbie Jackson, Wanda Ball, Tom Ridenhour, Jr., and Jane Ann Smallwood.

A Celebration of Life honoring Sam, better known as Pappy, will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather in his home state of Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to Southern Care Hospice, 4624 S. Springhill Jct. St. Terre Haute, IN. 47802

French Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. Post a note of condolence at www.frenchfuneralhome.com