Benny Jeff Riddle

Benny Jeff Riddle, 91, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend went to be with Lord Jesus Christ on August 11, 2020. Benny was born in Holliday, Texas on April 15, 1929, to Norval Albert Riddle and Ruth Cylvestia Holbrook Riddle. He graduated from Holliday High School where he excelled in basketball, football and track. While working for Sinclair Pipeline Company in Bowie, Texas, he was called to serve in the United States Army. He was a member of Company A, 973rd Engineering Construction Battalion, where he learned how to construct railroads, buildings and bridges. His engineering group was temporarily sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, to perform rehabilitation of the flood-damaged post. While at Fort Riley, Benny was promoted to Corporal and then after more training, Sergeant. He was stationed at Walters Air Force Base in Mineral Wells, Texas, where he was deployed overseas to fight in the Korean Conflict. Sergeant Riddle married his high school sweetheart, Norma Jean Salyer on January 2, 1952. They had three children, Ricky Ben, Karen Sue, and Gino Lane. The Riddle family moved from Texas to Vernal, Utah where Benny went to work for Halliburton Services. Benny retired from Halliburton after more than 42 years of employment. He was always a member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Walk, Mayor’s Own, fundraising team. He was a top fundraiser for the state of Utah for multiple years. Benny volunteered for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society because of the love he had for his friend, Dennis Higginson, who has the disease. Benny was a very generous person to his family, friends, and community. Benny was always joking, teasing and laughing with his friends. In their younger days, Benny and Jean enjoyed ice-skating, square dancing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling and company parties. They have always enjoyed supporting their children and grandchildren in their school sports and school activities. As they grew older, they enjoyed sitting on their front porch with coffee, watching the hummingbirds, talking to neighbors, and waving to those passing by. Benny and Jean worshiped the Lord of the Bible at the First Baptist Church in Vernal where they are both members. Benny is preceded in death by his parents, son Rick, sister Hazel Marie Brown, brother Glen Leo Riddle and close nephew Bobby Wayne Brown. Benny is survived by his wife Jean, children Karen Hatch and husband, Rory, of Vernal and Gino Riddle of Vernal. He is also survived by his beautiful grandchildren Ryan Ben Riddle and wife, Alicia, of Sandy, Rory Lynn Riddle and wife, Tori, of Clinton, Steven Kayle Hatch and wife, Karyn, of Dallas, Texas, Hailee Jean DeMott and husband, Nicolas, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Connor Rory Hatch of Salt Lake City, ten great-grandchildren: Katelynn, Jenna, Ryder, Cooper, Brody, Presley, Dylan, Cohen, Deacon, and Allie; a special niece Sandra Kittrell, many loving nephews, nieces and family members and friends. Funeral Services for Benny will be held Saturday, August 15, 2020, 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Vernal. A visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday 9:45-10:45a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Vernal Memorial Park with Military honors provided by American Legion Post 11 and the Patriot Guard Riders of Utah. Online condolences may be shared at www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com