COLUMBUS
Richard L. “Dick” Waddle, 70, of Columbus, IN, passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility. Dick was born on September 15, 1954 in Columbus, IN to William Marvin Waddle and Lucille Hatton Waddle. He married Sandra Sue Tempest on June 9, 1985.
A proud 1972 graduate of Columbus High School, Dick loved to learn new skills and was street smart his whole life. He became a respected freelance licensed electrician. He loved being a handyman who could fix about anything. His professional journey also included a significant tenure at Allied Universal Security Services, where his reliability and expertise were greatly valued. He sure loved his job and his valued teammates.
Dick was a member of Waynesburg Christian Church where he formerly served as a deacon. In his youth, he was a proud Boy Scout and later served as an assistant Scout Master, shaping the lives of young men by imparting wisdom and a love for the outdoors. He especially loved being a part of his son’s Cub Scouts.
His enthusiasm for collecting was known among his friends and family as he loved to look for treasures of all kinds. Woodworking was another of Dick’s passions. As an avid walker, Dick found peace and solace in the simple act of moving through nature.
Above all, Dick was a family man. Dick was known for his gruff voice that could quickly turn into a hardy laugh, endearing him to all who knew him. He cherished the moments spent with his loved ones and valued his son, nieces and nephews greatly. Initially not a cat person, Dick’s heart eventually softened, and he grew to love the whiskered companions that became part of his extended family. Names like Taylor, Marley, Boots, Timmy and Daisy became his feline friends and throw in Callie, a huge Saint Bernard who Dick loved very much.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Rev. Jay Vanderbur officiating. Calling hours will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home and one-hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Burial will be held at Westport Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, Waynesburg Christian Church (www.waynesburgchristian.org) or Hope2 (www.hope2.org).
Survivors include his wife, Sandra Sue Waddle; son, John William Waddle of Columbus, IN; mother-in-law, Janice Tempest; nieces and nephews, William (Kelsey) Crosby, Jamie (Philip) Haurez, Kelly McMillan, Lorri Waddle, Gerry (Kristen) Waddle Jr. and Carri (James) Moose; aunt, Carolyn West Hawkins; sister-in-law, Gwen Waddle and several great nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lucille Waddle; brothers, Gerry Waddle, Ronald Waddle and sister, Teresa Crosby.
