Charles "Gary" Riddle

Born on June 30, 1944, in Tulare, California, Gary was a beloved son of Don and Hazel Riddle of Corcoran. He was the second of four children, welcomed by his older sister, Cathie Riddle Walker, and twelve years later, by twins Margaret (Peggy) and Kevin Riddle. He was preceded in death by his sister "Peggy" Margaret Lynn Riddle; his parents, Don and Hazel; his grandparents, Ralph and Margaret Gilkey and Charles and Laura Riddle; and his longtime partner, Dr. James “Frank” Franklin.

Gary’s early years were spent on the family farm in Corcoran, where he developed a strong bond with family and a lifelong love of the land. At age thirteen, the family relocated to Orosi, where they initially raised cattle and eventually farmed on the ranch nestled in the scenic foothills. Gary graduated from Orosi High School in 1962, forging friendships, especially with Ida Anderson Soleno, that would endure for life.

Gary attended the College of the Sequoias before attending universities including Cal Poly and Fresno State, exploring a wide range of subjects with his trademark curiosity. In 1972, he embarked on a distinguished 14-year career with the Internal Revenue Service, serving as a bookkeeper and expert witness in tax fraud cases across the United States.

Following his father’s passing, Gary joined the family business, working alongside his sister Cathie in the office for nearly two decades while his brother Kevin managed the entire citrus operation.

Gary married Lee Schumaker (Jilka), and the couple welcomed their daughter, Laura Lynn Riddle (Bonn). Though their marriage ended, their friendship endured; Lee and her husband Chuck were an important part of Gary’s life, remaining close until his death.

His next chapter of life was spent with longtime friend and partner, Dr. James “Frank” Franklin, a Fresno dentist. For more than forty years, Gary and Frank shared a life filled with many adventures including cruises, family vacations, and following Frank's death, solo journeys in which Gary’s warm spirit made new friends wherever he went.

An exceptional chef and a passionate gardener, Gary delighted family and friends with gourmet meals at large gatherings. His creative talents extended to arts and crafts, and in later years, he mastered knitting, joining a beloved Sunday knit club for many seasons.

Family was Gary’s greatest passion. He loved his many nieces and nephews, and they too loved it when Uncle Gary was around. He loved his brother and sisters and was grateful they remained very close, referring to them as his best friends. He cherished his daughter Laura and leaned on her support throughout his illness. But nothing brought him more joy than his "perfect" as he called them, grandchildren, Katie and Kevin Bonn of Scotts Valley, California. He brimmed with pride at Katie’s theater performances and celebrated Kevin’s graduation from the fire academy and his career with Cal Fire.

In the final months of his life, Gary experienced the joy of accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His newfound peace and assurance comforted him and his family, who take solace in the knowledge that his time in Heaven has only just begun!

Gary is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Brian Bonn; and his grandchildren, Katie and Kevin Bonn of Scotts Valley, CA; his sister, Cathie Walker of Fresno; his brother and sister-in-law, Kevin and Ann Riddle of Orosi; and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and cousins. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on August 7th. For more details if you wish to attend, please RSVP to email garyriddlememorial@gmail. com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Gary Sinise Foundation and Endurance.org with Dave and Jan Dravecky.