John Henry Riddlesperger, III, age 84 of Harrison, Arkansas passed away Sunday, November 1, 2009 at Point Lookout Nursing and Rehab in Point Lookout, Missouri.

The son of John Henry Riddlesperger, II and Minnie Delphia (Dixon) Riddlesperger was born September 3, 1925 at Self, Arkansas.

He was a lifelong resident of this area and had served in
the U.S. Army during WWII.

He joined the Presbyterian Church in 1944 and was a member of the Presbyterian Church at the College of the Ozarks. He served on the Soil Conservation Board for 24 years and the Boone County Planning Commission for 20 years. He and his family were voted farm family of the year and he was voted Senior farmer of the year in 2007. He was also a past 4-H leader. He enjoyed square dancing with the Rustic Ramblers and was a wood carver and master craftsman in many different areas. In his earlier years he did Blacksmithing and was a school bus driver. He also worked
for the ASCS office and was an engine repairman for Lair Auto Supply.

His parents preceded him in death, along with four sisters, Audra Parrish, Eva Wilson, Eunice Foster, and Esther Heathman; and a son, John Riddlesperger, IV.

Survivors are his wife of 60 years, Jackie Riddlesperger of the home; his daughter, Sarah Watkins and husband, Gary of Harrison; five grandchildren, Todd Beaver and wife, Rhonda of Rogers, Suzanne Paul and husband, Steve of Harrison, John Riddlesperger, V of Hugoton, KS, Michael Watkins and wife, LaTresa of Harrison, and Landon Watkins and wife, Sara of Willard, Missouri; and ten great-grandchildren, Kaitlin, Tyler, Mariah, Haley, Kylie, Mattie, Cody, Ryle, Laramie, and Kara.

Visitation was Thursday, November 5, 2009 at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison. Service was Friday, November 6, 2009 at the funeral home chapel. Burial followed in Cottonwood Cemetery with pallbearers being Jim Heathman, Michael Heathman, Glenn Kilgore, Mack Spencer, Hilton West, Michael Watkins, and Landon Watkins. Honorary pallbearers were John Taylor, Eugene Hodges, Rick Thomason, Larry Marler, Steve Horensky, Theo Kirkland, and Angels of Hospice Encompasses.

Memorial donations may be made to Cottonwood Cemetery or to Hospice Encompasses, 3044 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Suite 200, Branson, Missouri 65616.

Online condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com.