Michael Lee Riddle

Michael Lee “Stick” Riddle, was born November 19, 1952 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He became the youngest policeman in Louisville Police Department history at 18 years old. He served proudly on LPD for 30 years, earning a reputation as a fearless officer who was recognized by his peers as a true cop’s cop because of his willingness to put himself in harm’s way in order to do the job the right way. During his time with the city, he served as a patrolman, field training officer, detective, and Sergeant. He proudly led the LPD honor guard for years, was a dutiful member of the FOP lodge 31, and played for the department’s football team throughout the 1970s, where he once played an entire half with a broken leg. In the 1980s and 90s, he played on various LPD softball teams, usually batting cleanup and always swinging for the fences. He spent his final years on LPD in the headquarters, where he helped ensure the fitness of other officers at the police gym and often engaged in 2 on 2 basketball games that were more like cage matches. Upon his retirement, Stick took a job with the St. Matthews police, where he would serve another 15 years protecting the community. During his time with St. Matthews Police, he continued to be active in the FOP, was involved with the department’s SWAT team, and led his officers as a sergeant. Mike Riddle spent almost 45 years as a lawman who was committed to being the kind of police officer his fellow officers could count on and who always did whatever was necessary to protect the people he served. He also volunteered his time and effort as a Shriner over multiple decades. 

Outside of policing, Mike had one great passion: his family. He was incredibly proud of both of his boys, who he raised as a single father. Despite long hours in a challenging job, he was determined to make sure his boys had everything they needed, always providing unwavering love and support. When he married the love of his life, Patricia Gail, he added another son and to his greatest joy, grandchildren. Over the final 25 years of his life, ‘Stick’ became ‘Pa-Paw’. Whether snipe hunting in Gatlinburg, wrestling on the living room floor, or watching Monster House for the hundredth time, he truly loved nothing more than being with his grandbabies. If he wasn’t cuddling his beloved Shih Tzu Molly, he was attending every football game or wrestling match he could - and anyone in the crowd knew exactly who he was there cheering for thanks to his D battery powered megaphone. He then became a great-grandfather and his devotion to the grandbabies continued. 

Mike ‘Stick’ Riddle, lived a full life. He loved deeply, served proudly, and sang poorly. He made everyone laugh along with him and did everything he could to make sure they were safe and loved. He was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, and lawman. He won’t ever be forgotten by anyone who knew him, but he’ll certainly be missed by everyone who loved him. 

Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents, Darwin Riddle and Doris Ann Riddle, sister Patty Burress, brother Doug Riddle, cousin Bob Waugh, and his adored dog Molly Marie. Surviving him, wife of 23 years Patricia Gail Riddle, three sons; Nate May, David Riddle, and Brandon Riddle (Elizabeth), four grandchildren; Abbygail Brown (Jordan), Colt May, Ashlee May, Hunter May, and two great grandchildren; Josiah River Reynolds, Delilah Lee May, stepmother Wanda Riddle, brother Larry Riddle (Dorothy), nieces Jessica Akers and Megan Riddle, nephews Jeffery Burress and Bill Riddle, and Marie Waugh and Andrea Colpo (Jerrod). 

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, November 29, 2024 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana 47150). A FOP service will be at 6:00 PM on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the funeral home.

The family requests that contributions in Mike’s memory be made to Fallen Police Officers.