Leslie Riddell

Mr. Leslie Lee Riddell, age 90 of Long Beach, MS, passed away at State Veterans Home in Collins, MS on   February 16, 2020. Born on 15 May 1929 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of Wilbur Riddell and Ina Riddell, both of whom predeceased him.

After graduating from High School in Lone Oak, KY where he was an undersized Forward on the basketball team, his family moved to Fresno, California. In 1950 he enlisted in the Air Force. After training at Keesler AFB, he was assigned to test missile launches at Patrick Air Force Base, FL. It was here, as a lowly private he met and courted the Colonel’s daughter, Dorothy Thompson. They married the following year. In 1953, Les “retired” from the Air Force and moved back to California. Les supported his growing family – now consisting of two sons and a daughter -as a self-employed electrician. After the kids grew up and left the house, Les and Dorothy “retired” again and built a cabin near Yosemite National Park. In 2001 they left their cabin life behind, traveled in a RV around the country and eventually relocated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Les’ hobbies included golf, watching cooking shows and then trying out what he learned (usually preparing enough food to feed an army), and daily crossword puzzles. He had a wry sense of humor, loved meeting and talking to people and never met a waitress who he didn’t ask to “pull up a chair and have a seat.”

Les is survived include his beloved wife of 68 years, Dorothy Riddell, his son, Cary (Kristine) Riddell, daughter Teresa (Dale) Hare, son Donny (Patricia) Riddell, six grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful folks at the Veterans Home for the care they gave to Les.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach, is serving the family.