Francis Lee Ridge

October 13, 1942 - January 20, 2026 (83 years old)

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Simple Cremation Evansville

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Francis Lee Ridge

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October 13, 1942 - January 20, 2026 (83 years old)

Evansville, Indiana

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Francis Lee Ridge Obituary

Name: Celebration of life
Start: 2026-02-07T20:00:00
End: 2026-02-08T00:00:00
Location: Lakeridge Crossing

With solemn reverence, we commemorate Francis Lee Ridge (Evansville, Indiana), born in Vincennes, Indiana, whose life came to an end on January 20, 2026 at the age of 83, leaving behind cherished memories. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family.

He was predeceased by: his parents, Roland Ridge and Marjorie Baecher Ridge. He is survived by: his wife Carolyn; his children, Brett (Jenny), Brian (Melissa), Deanna Hoffman (Jason) and Brandon (Jade); his siblings, Sherri, Margianne and Steve; his grandchildren, Alex, Shane, Madison, Mason, Aidan, Ashton, Amelie, Myles and Katie Beshear; and his great grandchildren, Roman, Ian, Briar and Alaina.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the American Heart Association.

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Simple Cremation Evansville

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January 27, 2026

Someone planted 10 trees

January 26, 2026

Kayla Yeh and family lit a candle

January 26, 2026

Kayla Yeh and family sent flowers

“In loving memory of Francis Lee Ridge, Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.”

January 26, 2026

Someone planted 10 trees

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7 people wrote a message from the heart

January 27, 2026

Lynda Thompson wrote a sympathy message

“In memory of Francis Lee Ridge, I want to send my deepest sympathies to his wife and family, as well as close friends. I became acquainted with Fran through MADAR and I will miss him.”

January 27, 2026

Bruce Meyer wrote a sympathy message

“I came to know Fran after my wife and I 'saw something' and were searching for answers. Fran used the scientific method to help weed out the explainable, from the not so explainable. I will absolutely miss his personality in my E-Mail box. Fran, May you have all the answers now, that you have sought for so long. Bruce and Alice Meyer”

January 26, 2026

Susan Swiatek wrote a sympathy message

“Fran dedicated his life to his family and detecting UFOs. Many years ago I was made aware of Fran by Dick Hall, the old NICAP head. Dick was then head of the Fund for UFO Research and my hubby Rob was the Treasurer. Fran's name often came up at Fund meetings. Dick gave his his blessing to start a NICAP website and they worked together on it. Many folks don't know that Fran's early equipment detected the Wow! Signal back in 1977. Fran was a friend to everyone and MADAR is his lasting legacy. RIP.”

January 26, 2026

Terry Tolle wrote a sympathy message

“Sorry for your loss! Fran was a great guy! I met him through MADAR and truly believe that he was a man before his time. I had the good fortune to come down, listen to his stories, and spend a day with him at MADAR Command Center. We talked about his experiences but the main topic was how proud he was of his children. You could tell he really loved his family! What a great guy! I will miss you, Fran!”

January 26, 2026

Perry Mittelstaedt wrote a sympathy message

“I met Fran through MADAR and we often talked about ufology. He was and is a really wonderful human being who has done so much for ufology to advance humankind's understanding of the reality we live in. I know he has done the same in all aspects of his life. I know he is in a beautiful place now and we all look forward to meeting again. Peace to your family, friends, and colleagues worldwide. Fran, you were and will always be in our hearts. Bravo and well done!”

January 26, 2026

Jim Walton wrote a sympathy message

“You have my sympathy.”

January 26, 2026

William J Granger, IV wrote a sympathy message

“I feel bad all the times I passed through Evansville and never got to see Fran. We were always in a hurry to get to our next stop. Sorry to hear of his passing.”

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Sat

Feb 07

Celebration of life

Lakeridge Crossing
2144 Lakeridge Dr, Newburgh, IN 47630

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