John Paul Ridenhour

John Paul Ridenhour was born October 8, 1938, in Watonga, OK, to John and Christine Ridenhour.  He cried his last sale April 17th, 2024, at the age of 85.

On June 9, 1963, he married Carol Joyce Duggan and they enjoyed almost 61 years together.  To this union two children were born, Christopher John and Julie Ann.  He was so proud that Chris followed in his footsteps and became an auctioneer and of Julie’s accomplishments in her chosen field.  She was always Daddy’s little girl.  

He has one grandson, Sam, whom he loves dearly.  He also has one great granddaughter, Miley, whom he is very proud of.  He was always saying, “I wonder what Miley is doing”?  

John Paul was an auctioneer for over 60 years.  He donated his talents for many years selling Bonus Auctions and Farm Labor Sales.  He was a big supporter of 4-H and FFA activities.  He thought putting your child in an Ag program was the best thing you could do for them.  He sold registered sheep sales in Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri and California, as well as many registered cattle and horse sales.  He was so happy that Chris and Julie each received their State FFA Degree and he was also made an Honorary State Farmer.  He was given so many honors over the years.  He was a sale barn owner for years before finally buying the Watonga sale barn with his good friend and partner Don Anderson.  He announced the horse and dog races at Anthony Downs in Anthony, KS, for over 20 years.  He sold about every farm in Blaine County, some twice.  Right before he retired he sold his first million dollar sale.   

John Paul graduated from Greenfield High School in 1956.  He attended the Ft Smith School of Auctioneers.  He then attended Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater, OK.  He was a member of the 45th Infantry of the Watonga National Guard.  He was a member of the Greenfield First Baptist Church.    

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his parents, John and Christine Ridenhour; as well as his nephew, Greg Dunn, who was special to him.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, of the home; his son Chris and wife Deena, of Greenfield; daughter Julie and husband Scott, of Weatherford, TX, where he spent the last 3 weeks of his life; his cousin, (raised as his sister), Lou Anna Dunn, of Oklahoma City, OK; grandson Sam and wife Makenzie and their daughter Miley, of Lawton, OK; three sister-in-laws, Joan Burghardt, Barbara Duggan and Marilyn Rockwell; and many other relatives and friends.  

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Watonga Senior Citizens Center in memory of John Paul Ridenhour.    

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