Austin was born September 6, 1994, in Oakdale, CA. He passed on October 29, 2022 in Lockeford, CA; he was 28 years old. A memorial service was held on November 20, 2022 at the Culbertson/Edsell Ranch.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Jerry and Joan Riddle, maternal grandfather Verle Beckerdite, great grandmother Hazel Riddle, aunt Barbara Word, uncle Duane Word.
He is survived by his parents, Scott and Jody (Beckerdite) Riddle, sister Sabrina Riddle, niece Ryeata Kenefick, maternal grandmother Gerry Beckerdite, aunt and uncle Jean and Rick Jay, aunt and uncle Jackie and Mike Souza, uncle Glen Beckerdite, cousins Brandy Word, Julie Beckerdite, Daniel Burch, Toby Burch, Amy Erickson, Ty Souza, Trevor Souza, and their children.
From an early age Austin was an outdoorsman, he wanted to be outside, playing with his trucks, dump trucks, grandpa’s tractors, riding and racing dirt bikes, go-carts and quads plus working on his many pickup trucks he’s had over the years. He loved deer hunting, duck hunting and taking trips out to the lakes, refuges and mountains. He was a boy scout and a member of the Harmony Grove 4-H where he participated in goats, rocketry and small engine repair.
Austin had a thrill for life, he lived his life to the fullest each and every day. He worked just as hard. From his first job at Beckerdite Construction, to Hogan Manufacturing, to getting his commercial driver’s license. He drove for Tiger Lines, then for TMI Transport as a hot shot driver hauling loads across the western states, and lastly driving for Bogetti’s Water Trucks.
Austin was a lifetime member of the Oakdale Saddle Club and a member of the Nor-Cal Jr Rodeo Association from 6 to18 yrs old. He won many buckles over the years, including calf riding, bull riding and bareback. One of his favorite buckles he won was in bareback riding from the Livermore Jr Rodeo Association, he proudly wore that buckle until his last days. Today, that buckle adorns his final resting place.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Nor-Cal Jr Rodeo Association, P.O. Box 1457, Oakdale, CA 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Jan. 8, 2025
