Robert Edward Ridley

Father of four who never met a stranger, Retired US Army Reserve Sergeant First Class Robert (Bob) Edward Ridley, 75, of Houston, TX left this earth on September 20, 2023. Bob was born in Houston, TX in January 1948 to Philip Edward Ridley and Virginia LaYvonne Peterson Ridley.

Bob met the love of his life, Doris Lampe, at their mutual employer, Randolph Company in 1968. They enjoyed going to the movies often and sharing a pizza at the restaurant he worked at in his teens. Bob & Doris both loved spending time with both of their families and he went to church with her every Sunday at St. Mark Lutheran Church. Before they were married, Bob was baptized at St. Mark. Bob and Doris were married June 13,1970.

Bob & Doris welcomed their daughter Kathleen Elaine in 1974 and twin sons Robert Eugene and Ronald Edward in 1976. After many awesome years as a family of 5, they were blessed with the surprise arrival of their third son, Charles Edward in 1984. The most important thing in Bob’s life was always his children, but his grandchildren were a close second. He treasured his time with all seven of his grandbabies. He really enjoyed sharing his love of history and ancestry to his family or anyone that would listen.

Bob loved talking to customers and coworkers at his job of 25+ years at General Valve/Cameron. Bob was also very active at St. Mark Lutheran. During the years that they did their Open House at Christmas time in the 80’s and 90’s, Bob was in charge of making the Apfel Strudel and was often asked for his recipe. He participated in Evangelism Explosion and went house to house spreading The Word. He was also active in the Boy Scouts with all three of his sons through the troop at St. Mark. He and Doris both participated in the volunteer program to prepare coffee on Sunday mornings for parishioners called The Perkers.

Bob will always be remembered for his kindness, love of Christ, and love of all human beings, especially his family. He really loved putting Robert and Ron on each foot and walking around the house and making them giggle when they were toddlers. He was well known for his animal sounds and “dad jokes”. His youngest son Chuck would tell him, “pitiful Dad, just pitiful,” which only served to make him laugh harder. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. We will miss him everyday and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Philip Ridley, mother Virginia Edwards, Stepfather Ray Edwards, Stepmother Sisi Ridley, Stepsister Linda Dart, and Stepbrother-in-law Mickey O’Riley. He is survived by his wife Doris, Daughter and Son-in-law Kathy and Chuck Keeton, Sons and Daughters-in-law Robert and Christina Ridley, Ron and Jaimie Ridley, Chuck and Stephanie Ridley, and Grandchildren Isabelle Ridley, Audrey Ridley, Nicholas Ridley, Abigail Ridley, John Thomas Ridley, William Ridley, and Peter Ridley.

A visitation with the family for Robert will be held Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 1:00 PM at St. Mark Houston, 1515 Hillendahl Blvd, Houston, Texas 77055. A graveside service following the funeral service at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Drive, Houston, Texas 77055.