Ralph C. Shideler, Jr., 89, Marion, passed away in his home at 9:15 am on Sunday, August 3, 2025. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on Saturday, September 28, 1935, to Ralph and Charlene (Soultz) Shideler, Sr.
Ralph was a 1953 graduate of Van Buren High School and a graduate of DeVry Technical Institute, Chicago, IL. He and the love of his life, Ruth Vardaman were married June 17, 1955. He completed the Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA and the Armor Officer Course at Fort Knox, KY. He served as an officer in the 238th Cavalry Squadron and the 451st Field Depot, retiring as a Major in 1975.
Ralph was an audio-visual technician for the Eastbrook Community Schools Corporation and retired from there in 1997. During this time, he also pursued his hobby of photography and worked for 15 years as a freelance photographer and film processor for Ken Hill at Sports Hot Line. He was a recipient of the, "Sagamore of the Wabash" award when he retired from Eastbrook Community Schools.
He was an avid reader and loved sailing, even building an 18-foot Trimaran sailboat which he sailed for 10 years. He participated in 100 mile "Century" bicycle tours. He ran in 10k (6.2 miles) races and enjoyed cross country skiing. At home, he spent time square foot gardening, working on his computers, and especially spending time in his room dubbed, "The Sonic Sanctuary". He and his beloved wife, Ruth toured the US in their Chevy SSR attending many rallies.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann Shideler of Marion; daughter, Lori (Mark) Herring of Upland; two grandchildren, Megan (Garrett) Dill of Indianapolis and Derek (Lila) Herring of Indianapolis; great-grandchildren, Amelia June Herring and Forest Alan Herring; brother, Ron (Sue) Shideler of Utica, MI; sister, Jayne Mathews of Noblesville; sister-in-law, Barbara Vardaman of Marion; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Phillip A. Shideler; brothers-in-law, Darrell Vardaman and Larry Matthews.
The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff of Heartland Hospice.
The family will receive visitors from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion
A memorial service to celebrate Ralph's will begin at 5:00 pm with Pastor Tom Mansbarger officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be directed to the donor's choice.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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