Lawrence Duane 'Wop' Riden

                Lawrence Duane “Wop” Riden, was taken home by our Lord and Savior on February 2, 2022 at the age of 73, surrounded by his family. After a valiant 4+ year battle with cancer, he found his peace at home.

                He was born April 19, 1948 a son of the late beloved Anita E. (Hoar) Riden and his well -respected father, Otis E. “Joe” Riden. He was blessed to have by his side, his wife of over 30 years, Shirley (Parker) Riden. He was a well-known, big hearted, quick witted, laid back, “tell it like it is”, hometown man. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.

                He cherished his children, Michael D. Riden & wife Luann of Reedsville; Michelle L. O’Neil & husband Kevin of Milroy; step-children, Paula J. Prevost & husband Greg of TX; and Michael T. Nowark & wife Chris of VA; grandchildren, Amanda Riden of Lewistown, Mackenzie Riden of Milroy, Joseph Riden of Reedsville, Jordan Fisher of Milroy, and step-granddaughters, Makayla Prevost & Kimi Ashton Prevost of TX. He adored his brothers & sisters, William L. “Buck” Riden & wife Leslie; Otis E. “Ote” Riden, Jr., & wife Connie; Brenda “Cope” Aumiller & husband Larry, and Paulette “Tooter” Espigh, as well as numerous nieces and nephews that meant so much to him and one of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his family.

                Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Robert Espigh.

                Duane retired from Standard Steel where he worked in the Non-Destructive testing section of the lab for 40 years. After retirement, he consulted for various steel mills in PA.

                He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Milroy. He was also a charter member of the American Legion Post 287, VFW, National Rifle Assoc., Fraternal Order of Eagles, Post 4294, and Yeagertown Fire Company. He had his own unique story-telling, fireside manner that many found extremely comical and medicine for the soul. He was a friend to all and forged many friendships throughout PA. He was a generous man who genuinely enjoyed helping people.

                He and Shirl loved to camp at Howard Lake. They enjoyed their retirement years boating and bird watching on the lake with their dog Zeke.

                As an avid hunter of all seasons, he especially loved hunting for turkeys and deer. He found his passion “driving for deer” on Saturdays with the Milroy gang and was deemed the ‘captain of the drive’. Duane was a proud member of the Riden’s Heaven in Havice Valley Camp, where the “opening day of fishing for kids” was a tradition he was instrumental in forming and keeping alive in the community for over 30+ years. With the help of many people and numerous sponsors, this tradition was without a doubt, a huge success and anticipated yearly event. Everyone was always welcome at Riden’s Camp.

                In his youth, Duane enjoyed many a season of playing soccer, baseball and fast pitch softball. As a 1966 graduate of Kishacoquillas High School, he lettered 4 years in baseball. After his high school years, he continued to play and coach in Milroy and in the Mifflin County Twi-lite baseball league and Mifflin County Babe Ruth league. He was a proud member of the Armagh Memorial field Assoc. for a number of years.

                He was a sports enthusiast and athlete and a Penn State football and wrestling fan. He enjoyed listening to classic blue grass country music and hosted many a “blue grass party” at camp, where he was usually the life of the party, all while incorporating many one-liners that many will never forget.           

                We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of your love and support. He remains a legend to all of us who loved him dearly. Let’s all raise a glass to the man who lived his life on his own terms!

                His funeral service will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Milroy with Pastor Charlie Hershberger officiating. Burial will take place at Salem Cemetery. His family will receive friends from 10:30 am until the time of service at the church on Thursday.

                Should friends desire, memorials may be made to:  St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306 or to Armagh Memorial Field Assoc., c/o Phillip Guss, 191 Whitetail Mountain Lane, Milroy, PA  17063.  Arrangements arer under the care of Henderson-Bohn Funeral Home.

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