William 'Tex' Ridder

RIDDER, William ‘Tex’ Beloved husband of Mary ‘Mo’ Ridder (Nee Wilming) for 55 years. Preceded in death by his parents William N. and Catherine ‘Sue’ Ridder (Nee Goins). Loving father of Tori (Joe) Kremer, Maura (Chad) Unger and Maggie (Mike) Rauch. Devoted Papa of Cole, Max Crouch, Josie Kremer, Luke, Hank, Cade Unger, Lily, Jack Rauch. Dear brother of Carol (Ray Hafner) and brother-in-law of Lynn (Duane) Ratcliff. Also survived by his many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the age of 84.

Proud graduate of Elder High School (1958) and University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy (1963). Tex worked most of his 50+ year career as a hospital pharmacist serving as Director at Old St. Francis, Providence and Drake Hospital. His later professional years were spent working for the City Clinics of Cincinnati. Always the consummate professional in his pharmacy practice, he enjoyed his many students and colleagues who became dear friends.

An avid boater, he numbered each boat he purchased up to #8. He loved spending time on the water listening to the Reds. He enjoyed houseboating with old friends, traveling abroad and annual family trips to the beach. Tex was a devoted sports fan, an original Bengals season ticket holder and an Elder football season ticket holder for 60 years. He loved horse racing, betting online, XU basketball, hockey and beating us all in a game of pool. Together with Mo they shared their love of dancing and live music from standards to jazz.

Dad met the love of his life while sitting at the end of the bar at the Pirates Den. Their love and devotion to one another was a blessing to our family. They lived life to the absolute fullest with a chuckle every day. Best friends and cherished spouses just a few weeks short of their 55th wedding anniversary.

Tex was a devoted family man. He was a girl dad long before it became popular. His 9 consecutive father daughter dances at Mercy made him a legend. He treasured his role as Papa, always telling the same jokes and still laughing at them every time. The constant supporter, he was always there to cheer on his grandkids even if it meant wearing Bomber blue.

Tex was a man of deep faith, extreme patience and total gratitude. He enjoyed his family and life to the absolute fullest. We will grieve hard because we loved hard. 

We would like to thank the staff at University of Cincinnati Medical Center and Vitas Hospice for their incredible care.

Visitation at MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 5864 Bridgetown Road, WEDNESDAY, 12/11, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Visitation Church, 3172 South Road, on THURSDAY, 12/12, at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Elder High School, Class of 1958, 3900 Vincent Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45205 or to the Comboni Missionaries, 1318 Nagel Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233. Condolences may be sent at www.bjmeyer.com.