Terre Haute, IN - TERRE HAUTE - Bernard J. Ridens Jr. passed away on June 3, 2026, in Westminster Village Health and Rehab Center at the age of 88.

He was born May 14, 1938, to Bernard J.Ridens and Inez Duzenberry Ridens at home in Terre Haute, IN.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Creasey Ridens; daughters Susan Throckmoton (Gregg) and Kara Holmes; and grandchildren Ashley Adair (Chris), Jarod Throckmorton and Austin Throckmorton. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Norma Jean Schwindy (Bob), and brothers Jack Ridens (Marie) and Stephen Ridens, and son-in-law Daniel Holmes.

He graduated from Indiana State University with a BS in physics and math, and a MS in science education. He earned additional graduate hours by completing coursework at Knox College, Yale University and Harvard University. He taught at Honey Creek High School and Terre Haute South Vigo High School, retiring after 36 years. He served as the Vigo County School Corporation Science Chairman for 15 years. He was recognized as the Distinguished Physics Teacher of the State of Indiana in 1977.

He was a small business owner who provided construction services as both a builder and a general contractor. He built many houses during the summer months when school was not in session. He was a deputy assessor for Honey Creek Township and made initial assessments of Honey Creek Mall, Regional Hospital and Westminster Village. He served eight years on the Vigo County Area Planning Commission.

He was a co-founder of the Terre Haute Children's Museum and served on the Board of Directors for 10 years. After retiring from teaching, he became the Executive Director of the Vigo County Taxpayers Association. In 2023, he was inducted into the VCSC Circle of Honor.

Memberships included SCORE, Kiwanis, Vigo County Teachers Association, Special Interest Car Club, and Wabash Western Riders. He enjoyed bowling in the Teachers' League, collecting old tools and woodworking. He enjoyed classic cars and one of his projects was restoring a 1938 Plymouth. He was a casual golfer but scored a hole-in-one on a golf course in Branson, MO, much to the surprise of his fellow golfers. He was very proud of his grandchildren and treasured the time spent with them.

A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bernard to one of the following:

Terre Haute Children's Museum, 727 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47807; or Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.

Online condolences may be made to:

www.debaunfuneralhomes.com