David Jerold Radcliffe

In celebration of a remarkable life: David Jerold Radcliffe died on Friday the 7th of November 2025 peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on August 27, 1948, to Arlene Ann Hull and Dr. Paul Radcliffe. His survivors include His wife Ruth Hill Radcliffe and son, Jeffrey Michael Radcliffe. The three of them formed a tight knit family of three, always there for support and the love of each other. David and Ruth recently celebrated 55 years of marriage.

One amazing thing about David is that he was always interested in the activities going around him…a paper route at the start of high school, wrestling, band, Badger Boys state where he got his first taste of government, among other activities. Both his sister Paula and brother Jeff felt he was both a mentor and inspiration.

After graduating from High school in 1996, he headed west to the US Air Force Academy in Colorado spring springs, Colorado. Here he explored additional activities, one of his favorites were singing in the Chapel Choir and the Academy chorale. Their activities took him to many different events. The National Cathedral in Washington DC and Richard Nixon’s inauguration to name a few. But he also excelled in Academics, especially Political Science where he received an award for outstanding student in that major at graduation

His next step in life was to attend pilot training in Laredo, where he not only served with distinction but also married his wife, Ruth. Along with graduation came the selection of an airplane that was to become his focus for the next 5 years. The plane he chose was the swing-wing F-11, which took him to 2 tours in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam war. He was there as the war was ending and soon returned to the US for further pilot training.

1995 brought 2 milestones into his life, the birth of son Jeffrey and an MBA from the University of Texas, this path took him to Exxon Mobil as a training specialist. Exxon provided many different opportunities in Houston and elsewhere around the world. Travel was a wonderful experience, England, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and many more places in Asia.

After retiring from ExxonMobil, he still was involved in life around him. He nurtured, encouraged, and participated in all aspects of Jeffrey’s life. He made him laugh and laugh but also the serious side of Academics and the music participation Jeffrey loved. He was also active with the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW).

We have been lucky to have Dave in our lives, while there is a hole in our hearts, we are also filled with love and thankfulness that he was and will always be there.