David Keith Wildridge, 60, of Washington, IN, died at home in Washington on Friday, May 5th, 2023, in the presence of loved ones after a valiant two-year battle with cancer. He was born on April 2nd,1963, in Washington, IN to the late John and Darlene (Olson) Wildridge. He graduated from Washington High School in 1981, making many friends and memories all along the way. He graduated from Purdue University in 1985, where he worked hard to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering. David embarked on a 25-year career as an engineer and manager at NWSC Crane. Upon his retirement, he started a new career as Operations Manager, working among many good friends at NASCO Industries, Inc. in Washington.
He maintained a strong loyalty to his Purdue University teams and relished the victories, big or small. Depending on the season, he lived and died with the Cincinnati Reds (three World Series titles) and the Minnesota Vikings (four Super Bowl losses). David was a golfer from an early age and could frequently be found at Washington Country Club. He loved everything about the game, and took yearly golf trips with his children, brother, and friends. Most recently he developed an affinity for pickleball and spent many hours on the courts. He was on the Daviess County Pickleball board, and really enjoyed being part of the construction project on the new DCP facility. Above all, David enjoyed precious time traveling with his family, and spent the last few years dog sledding in Minnesota, visiting Legoland, and spending time in Savannah, GA with his grandchildren. He loved watching Star Wars and Star Trek, building Legos, listening to New Wave music, and coming up with his own terrible Dad jokes. He considered himself lucky to spend time with his children, but he especially cherished his time spent with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
David is survived by his wife Susan Richardson; children Nathan Wildridge of Washington, Tanner Wildridge of Evansville, and Blythe Wildridge of Indianapolis; and grandchildren Kinley Carter and Tate Wildridge. Other survivors include Jeff (Jamie) Wildridge, of McKinney, TX, Bill (Judy) Richardson of Lawrenceville, IL, John Richardson of Las Cruces, NM, Kate (John) Stein of Columbus, IN, Rick Wildridge and Cindy Wildridge both of Dallas, TX; his nieces and nephews Bradley, Isaac, and Caden Wildridge, Hannah and Haley Richardson, and Ivan and Bodie Stein; and many aunts, uncles and cousins that he adored. His family has hosted multiple exchange students over the years, and he will also be sadly missed by his “bonus” daughters and their families.
A memorial in his honor is being will be held at Aces (Washington Country Club) on June 4th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. David was very passionate about science and engineering, and in lieu of flowers a fund has been established in his name with the Community Foundation to support science and STEM projects in the local schools and library. The link is: David Wildridge Science and Technology Fund (fcsuite.com). Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of David and his family.
