Obituary: Jack Ridlehoover

Jack Ridlehoover, longtime Texas Baptist pastor and mentor to ministers, died June 19. He was 91.

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Jack Ridlehoover, longtime Texas Baptist pastor and mentor to ministers, died June 19. He was 91. He was born on a farm near Gunter in Grayson County on Oct. 2, 1930, to W.J. and Sallie Ridlehoover. He married Betty Jo Knight on Jan. 30, 1948. He began preaching at age 17, held his first pastorate at age 19, and served as a pastor continuously until 1992. He was pastor of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene for 29 years. In retirement, he became president of Ministers’ Mentoring and Consulting Service, donating his time as a mentor and consultant to pastors and small churches. He was interim pastor of 22 churches in his retirement. Ridlehoover was a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Hardin-Simmons University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. He served on numerous Baptist boards and committees. He was a published writer in the area of leadership and church administration. He and his wife traveled and ministered in 18 foreign countries. He was preceded in death by 10 half-brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 74 years Betty; daughter Cindy Myers and husband Tom; son Roger Ridlehoover and wife Frances; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 23, 2022, at the Hamil Family Funeral Home in Abilene. A memorial service is scheduled at 1 p.m. on June 24 at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.


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