Barry Alton Riddle

Newburgh, IN – Barry Alton Riddle died in the presence of his family on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 in Newburgh, Indiana.  He was born in Washington, D.C. on June 15, 1954, to Hasty W. and Juanita Keen Riddle. Barry lived his life in every way to the fullest extent with an incredibly wide range of interests and accomplishments – both professionally and personally.  He cherished his family and his extended network of friends and was known for his huge heart and willingness to always help others.  An extremely humble man, the totality of his interests and professional background were known only to a few of his closest friends as he never talked about himself or shared his interests unless asked. 

Barry attended J. M. Atherton High School, Louisville, Kentucky (class of 1972), followed by Western Kentucky University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.  He had many wonderful stories of his time at Western but few of those involved any notable academic achievements – that would come later and with distinctions.  Immediately after graduation from Western Kentucky University, he joined the United States Marine Corps earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant and serving as an Artillery Officer on active duty for four years.

In 1982, Barry left active duty, but retained his United States Marine Corps reserve commission. He went back to school full time at the University of Kentucky, earning a Bachelor’s with High Distinction in the College of Pharmacy.  He was a member of Rho Chi Honor Society, the National Dean’s List, and was awarded both the Robert Begley Community Pharmacist Award and the Merck, Sharp, and Dohme Award.  Before he was able to practice full time as a pharmacist, he was accepted into the University of Kentucky Medical School where he graduated with distinction in 1990.  The following year, he completed his medical internship for Trauma Surgery at Emmanuel Hospital, Portland, Oregon. 

Upon completion of his internship and still being devoted to uniformed service, he requested, and was subsequently granted, a military interservice transfer from the United States Marine Corps to the United States Naval Reserve.  Once designated as a Naval Flight Surgeon, he served on active duty until 1994 with Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) (AV-8B Harrier II jets) Cherry Point, North Carolina.  He made several deployments with the squadron and was much beloved as their fellow U.S. Marine and squadron “Doc”.  Following his active duty, he continued his Naval Reserve career attaining the rank of Captain.  He was mobilized in June 2004 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and served for one year at Navy Hospital Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.  Having honorably served his country as a member of the uniformed service for most of his adult life, he retired from the United States Naval Reserve in 2014.

His full-time medical career continued in 1994 when he returned to the University of Kentucky to complete a residency in anesthesiology. In 1997 he and his family moved to Newburgh, Indiana where over the years Barry was employed as an Anesthesiologist with Welborn Baptist Hospital, Deaconess Hospital and eventually with Deaconess Gateway Women’s Hospital.  Regardless of where he worked, he was admired for his vast medical knowledge and loved for his keen sense of humor and kindness.  He had an uncompromising work ethic and valued the contributions that each individual brought to the surgery department, acting as a sounding board for his colleagues.  He was genuine, supportive, and generous to the staff.  Always ready with a joke, a good morning, and a friendly greeting, he was calm in tough situations and willing to step out of his role and help when needed.  He was neither boastful nor pretentious, and was loved, admired, and respected by all.  He practiced until May 2021. He was a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Society of U.S. Naval Flight Surgeons, and a Fellow, American Board of Acupuncture Medicine. 

Barry’s personal hobbies always seemed to include an element of risk or high speed.  His passion for motorcycles and sports cars was constant throughout his life from his chopped Harley-Davidson in college to his most recent adventures racing his Ducati on the AHRMA motorcycle circuit.  He was also a private pilot, a skydiver, a rock climber, a scuba diver, and rifle and pistol shooting enthusiast.  He was a Kentucky Colonel and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jody Ann Nivin Riddle; sons Derek Alton Riddle (Christine) of Evansville, Indiana; Sean Nivin Riddle (Katherine) of London, England; daughter Jacqueline Marie Riddle of Louisville, Kentucky; sisters Carol Riddle Bohn (Randy) and Wanda Lynn Riddle both of Ellicott City, Maryland.  His parents preceded him in death.

Survivors also include his much beloved nieces and nephews, as well as a great many other family members and countless friends across the country.

The family acknowledges and thanks those who have shown so much love and support over the course of Barry’s illness.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 21 from 2:00 – 8:00 pm at Titzer Funeral Home, Simpson Chapel, 510 W. Jennings Street, Newburgh, Indiana.   The Celebration of Life will begin at 7:00pm.  Final inurnment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia at a date to be determined.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Petunia’s Resale for Rescue, 3800 North First Avenue, Evansville, Indiana.

Arrangements are in the care of Titzer Family Funeral Homes.