Elvin "Lee" Riddle

Elvin S. “Lee Roy” Riddle, 82, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on July 17, 2021. Lee was born on Feb 23, 1939 in Fanshawe, Oklahoma He was the fifth of six boys born to George and Callie Riddle, and grew up in the Grand Valley. He served in the National Guard and the U.S. Army, like his father before him.

He married the love of his life, Joan Burnett, on November 30, 1963. Lee worked most of his life as a tree trimmer and mechanic. He moved from Alaska to Texas and many states in between for his job. Some of Lee’s favorite times were spent hunting, fishing, and racing snowmobiles, where he won state championship in Alaska. He accepted God’s son, Jesus as his Savior in 1975 after the birth of his youngest son. Like Lee’s parents, he and Joan became the patriarch and matriarch of their family and many other families.

Lee’s love was dished out daily in giant bear hugs and many “I love you’s”! He treated everyone like they were his favorite, and made you feel like you were the most special person he ever met. In his last moments in the hospital, he wanted to make sure we all knew he loved us. He wanted us to carry on his legacy of being quick to forgive, and encourage others to love and hug without reserve or restraint. But most importantly, to appreciate the gift of God’s son and the hope and promise of being together again.

Lee Roy is survived by his wife Joan; his children, Jody (Scott) Newton, Becky (Dan) Culmer, Ronnie Riddle, and Paul (Angie) Riddle, 14 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Odell Riddle, Dorman Riddle, Gene Riddle, Sigmund Riddle, and Paul David Riddle.

A graveside service for Lee will be held Friday, July 23, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Clover Cemetery, Collbran, Colorado. Following the graveside service will be a funeral service at 4:00 PM at Clifton Christian Church, 3241 F 1/4 Road, Clifton, Colorado 81520.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lee's memory may be made to New Haven Pentecostal Holiness Church, 426 Kluge Avenue, Palisade, Colorado 81526; Clifton Christian Church, 3241 F 1/4 Road, Clifton, Colorado 81520, www.cliftonchristianchurch.com; Samaritan's Purse, www.samaritanspurse.org; and 700 Club, www1.cbn.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinMortuary.com for the Riddle family.