Mayo Donald Ridgway

Don was born March 20, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is preceded in death by his parents William Oliver Ridgway and Helen (Green) Milburn, his brothers William Oliver Ridgway Jr. and Leo Ronald Ridgway, his sister Judy Bateman, and wife Bernice (Muzny) Ridgway. Surviving Don is his wife Sharon Ridgway, sister-in-law Sally Ridgway, brother-in-law Kirk Bateman, sons Mike Hebert and wife Judy, Randy Hebert and wife Patty, Lon Ridgway, Steve Ridgway and Susan Ridgway; grandchildren Christi Neumann and husband Zach, Alex Hebert, Courtney Hebert, Vanessa Hebert, Dylan Hebert, Layne Ridgway, Travis Ridgway and wife Mya; great grandchildren Colt Neumann, Lucy and Zoe Wooldridge, Abigail Ridgway, and Kinsley Ridgway.

Don graduated in 1961 from Sam Houston High School in Houston, Texas. In high school, he was a fierce debate competitor. During his military career he went on to receive his BS in Liberal Arts from Regents College in New York. He joined the U.S. Army in 1961 for 4 years and rejoined in 1977 starting as Private and worked his way up to the rarely achieved rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. His most important role was during the Cold War times. He set an admirable example to the many Army bases in West Germany during the 70’s and 80’s as the Property Book Officer based in Fulda. His service locations included Korea, California, San Antonio, Virginia, Germany, Hawaii, and Texas, finishing his military career with distinction at Fort Hood after accumulating over 30 years of military and civil service. Don is in the rare, elite group that received the Legion of Merit Award.

Don was a hardworking and dedicated man who lived his life with strength and unwavering commitment to those around him. He believed in doing things the right way and never shied away from putting in the effort, whether it was for his work or his family.

Above all, Don cherished his family. Time spent with his loved ones was what he valued most—whether gathered around the table, sharing stories, or simply enjoying each other’s company. His presence was steady, his heart generous, and his willingness to help the ones he loved knew no bounds. He will be remembered for his one-of-a-kind stories, his loyalty to those he loved and his firm, loving hugs. Don’s life was a true example of dedication, love, and service. He leaves behind a unique and lasting legacy to all who knew him.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 14th, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home and Cemetery at 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, Texas 77079: Visitation will be at 2:00 pm, Memorial Service 3:00 pm followed by Committal Service with military honors and reception. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Church at Cross Lake Mission Peru: https://crosslake.churchcenter.com/giving?open-in-church-center-modal=true