Principal
Carl Sigel Riddle, 86, of Terre Haute, passed away on Dec. 5, 2010 in Davis Gardens. He was born on July 29, 1924, in Bloomington, Indiana to Carl Robert and Esther (Brock) Riddle.
His parents; younger brother, Raymond Riddle; and nephew, Samuel Riddle, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Anna (Wagner) Riddle; and one daughter, Carla (Riddle) Henry and her husband Rex; two granddaughters: Kirsten (Henry) Morrison and her husband, Jason; and Megan (Henry) Cates and her husband, Chad, all of Terre Haute. He also leaves behind a niece, Connie (Riddle) Young and her husband, Steve. Carl was a very loving, caring husband, father and grandfather.
He was a graduate of Unionville High School, where he was a basketball player and a member of the track team. He then began his undergraduate study at Indiana State University. At the end of his freshman year, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He was sent to Western Michigan for part of officer training. After World War II, he returned to Indiana State to complete his undergraduate work. He later attended Indiana University, where he received his advanced degrees in educational administration.
While he was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, he served in the Pacific Theatre and the China Theatre. He was recalled to active duty in 1951 to 1952.
Mr. Riddle was a teacher of social studies and physical education at Stinesville High School. He also was the coach for basketball and track. He was a principal at Gosport High School, Honey Creek High School, director of secondary education and assistant superintendent of instruction of the Vigo County School Corporation, and Principal of Terre Haute North Vigo High School. After retirement, he served as an adjunct, assistant-professor in the ELAF Department at Indiana State University. He also was a Supervisor of Principal interns at Indiana State University.
He was selected as one of 50 principals in the United States to participate in a national study of “Effective School Principals.” He also received an Administrator of the Year Award in Indiana. He holds an honorary doctorate from Rose-Hulman.
Carl was active in community affairs. He was a member of United Methodist Temple where he served as a Sunday school teacher and usher. He was a lifetime member of the Rotary Club, a past member of the Honey Creek-Vigo County Conservancy District Board, and a member of the Board of Associates of Rose-Hulman. He received the Terre Haute Boys’ Club Friend of Youth Award, Sagamore of the Wabash, Chapman S. Root Award given by Hospice of the Wabash Valley, and the Vigo County Distinguished Alumni/Educator Award.
He was dedicated to his profession as an educator and his aim was to help students in any way he could, to encourage them, and never to give up on them. He loved all of them.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010 at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Temple Church, 5301 S. U.S. Highway 41, with the Revs. Steve Cain, Steve Moore, and Curtis Chambers officiating. Burial followed in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation was 3 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010 at the church.
The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Carl S. Riddle Scholarship Trust Fund, c/o First Financial Bank, Trust Department, P.O. Box 540, Terre Haute, Indiana, 47808, United Methodist Temple Church, or a charity of your choice. Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S 25th St., assisted with the arrangements.
Assistant Principal
Principal