Ralph Bruce Biddle

July 2, 1936 – Nov. 30, 2021

Ralph Bruce Biddle, 85, Sheridan, passed away on Tuesday morning, Nov. 30, 2021, at Riverview Health in Noblesville.’

Born on July 2, 1936 in Sheridan, Ind., he was the son of the late Raymond & Anna Marie (Lockridge) Biddle.

Mr. Biddle was a 1955 graduate of Sheridan High School and remained a strong supporter of Sheridan Athletics throughout his entire life. He tried to attend as many Blackhawk football and basketball games as he could over the years. He was a huge Purdue fan as well. As a lifelong farmer of dairy cattle and pigs, he learned very quickly that he needed to become a “Jack of all trades” around the farm. He learned to work on just about any piece of farm equipment you could park in front of him. He also had a deep-seated love for farming – so deep that he seemed to never get enough of it. In addition to his own farming responsibilities, he enjoyed helping his neighboring farmers whenever they were shorthanded. Harvest season was a favorite time, especially when it was time to help Wilson Farms bring in their famous sweet corn.

Family was always the highest priority in Mr. Biddle’s life. He loved his kids dearly, but the grandchildren – they were his pride and joy. He was human equivalent of a family Bible – keeping track of all of the family birthdays and other important dates in each of their lives. When it came to the grandkids, “Pappy” followed everything they were involved in. He always kept up with their sports and other extracurricular activities, but he took a special interest during their years in 4-H. He loved going to the 4-H fair, and always took an active interest in all of his grandkids’ projects and showings. He was never short on constructive (even if unsolicited) criticism with regards to their 4-H adventures. Mr. Biddle also treasured the many Sunday dinners shared with Donna and Steve, and all of the grandkids.

Survivors include his daughter, Donna (Steve) McKinney of Sheridan; four sons, Randy (Valerie) Biddle, Ronnie Biddle, Rick Biddle and Rodney Biddle, all of Sheridan; eight grandchildren, Wren (Maggie) McKinney, Levi (Leah) McKinney, Jeremy “Digger” (Tonya) McKinney, Megan McKinney, Nick Biddle, Nate Biddle, Matt Biddle, all of Sheridan and Anna (Jake) Ward of Frankfort; 16 great-grandchildren, Morgan, Katie, Randie, Genevive, Charlotte, Judah, Ezra, Silas, Asher, William, Cameron, Brody, Bridget, Jasmine, Anderson and Lovie; brother, Marvin Biddle of Tipton; sister, Marilyn Adams of Sheridan; sister in law, Carolyn S. Biddle of Sheridan; and by his special munchkin, his canine grandbaby, Missy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clifford Biddle; brother in law, Robert Adams; and sister in law, Carolyn Biddle of Tipton.

Services are scheduled at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th Street, Sheridan, Ind., with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in rural Hamilton County. Reverend Rex Dunning will be officiating.