July 2, 1936 – November 30, 2021
Ralph Bruce Biddle, 85, Sheridan, passed away on Tuesday morning, November 30, 2021, at Riverview Health in Noblesville. Born on July 2, 1936, in Sheridan, he was the son of the late Raymond and Anna Marie (Lockridge) Biddle.
Ralph was a 1955 graduate of Sheridan High School and remained a strong supporter of Sheridan Athletics throughout his entire life. He tried to attend as many Blackhawk football and basketball games as he could over the years. Ralph was a huge Purdue fan as well.
As a lifelong farmer of dairy cattle and pigs, Ralph learned very quickly that he needed to become a “jack of all trades” around the farm. He learned to work on just about any piece of farm equipment you could park in front of him. Ralph also had a deep-seated love for farming – so deep that he seemed to never get enough of it. In addition to his own farming responsibilities, he enjoyed helping his neighboring farmers whenever they were shorthanded. Harvest season was a favorite time, especially when it was time to help Wilson Farms bring in their famous sweet corn.
Family was always the highest priority in Ralph’s life. He loved his kids dearly, but the grandchildren – they were his pride and joy. He was the human equivalent of a family Bible – keeping track of all the family birthdays and other important dates in each of their lives. When it came to the grandkids, “Pappy” followed everything they were involved in. He always kept up with their sports and other extracurricular activities, but he took a special interest during their years in 4-H. Ralph loved going to the 4-H fair, and always took an active interest in all his grandkids’ projects and showings. Pappy was never short on constructive (even if unsolicited) criticism with regards to their 4-H adventures. Ralph also treasured the many Sunday dinners shared with Donna and Steve, and all the grandkids.
Ralph is survived by his daughter, Donna McKinney (Steve) of Sheridan; four sons, Randy Biddle (Valerie), Ronnie Biddle, Rick Biddle, and Rodney Biddle, all of Sheridan; eight grandchildren, Wren McKinney (Maggie), Levi McKinney (Leah), Jeremy “Digger” McKinney (Tonya), Megan McKinney, Nick Biddle, Nate Biddle, Matt Biddle, all of Sheridan, and Anna Ward (Jake) of Frankfort; 16 great-grandchildren, Morgan, Katie, Randie, Genevive, Charlotte, Judah, Ezra, Silas, Asher, William, Cameron, Brody, Bridget, Jasmine, Anderson, and Lovie; brother, Marvin Biddle of Tipton; sister, Marilyn Adams of Sheridan; sister-in-law, Carolyn S. Biddle of Sheridan; and by his special munchkin, his canine grandbaby, Missy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clifford Biddle; brother-in-law, Robert Adams; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Biddle of Tipton.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 6, 2021, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with Visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in rural Hamilton County. Reverend Rex Dunning will be officiating.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com