- Date Of Birth: February 4, 1940
- Date Of Death: October 10, 2017
- State: Indiana
The Honorable Julian L. Ridlen, 77, Logansport, passed away at 5:18 a.m. Tuesday, October 10, 2017, in St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis.
Born in Decatur, Illinois, on February 4, 1940, Julian was the son of Charles Fred and Doris Franklin Ridlen.
On June 1, 1963, in Logansport, Julian was married to Susanne (Sue) Smith, who survives.
A 1958 graduate of MacArthur High School, Decatur, Illinois, Julian received a B.A. degree from Anderson University in history, with minors in political science, chemistry, and English, and a J.D. degree from the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C.
An attorney since 1968, Julian was elected City Court Judge in 1971, and again in 1975, and State Treasurer in 1978 and again in 1982. During this period Julian was responsible for negotiating Indiana’s loan to the Chrysler Corporation, for the creation of the Indiana Bond Bank, serving as its first chairman. By appointment of Governor Robert D. Orr, Julian served as chairman of the Indiana Housing Finance Authority.
Julian was elected to two terms as Judge of the Cass Circuit Court, and for the past ten years served as Senior Judge, until his retirement in December 2016.
Through the years, Julian’s interest in history has continued through graduate study and teaching. He served as President of the Cass County Historical Society, taught Indiana History as adjunct faculty at Indiana University Kokomo, taught courses at Anderson University, the University of Indianapolis and IUPUI, and authored two articles concerning aspects of the public life and influence of President Benjamin Harrison.
Julian was active in various local organizations over the years, serving on the Red Cross Board (President), Kiwanis Club, U.S.
In conjunction with his role as judge, Julian developed various programs to engage youth in academic and career advancing pursuits, including an alternative school, the Family Opportunity Center, a community coordinated effort called “Breaking the Cycle,” and an Adolescent Intramural Mentoring program that expanded to include the construction of AIM High Park.
Both Sue and Julian have been active with the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site in Indianapolis. Julian served on the board and headed a task force involving the expansion of the site facilities.
Also surviving are sisters, Roberta Weber, Fallbrook, California, Betty (Don) Feaster, Indianapolis, and brothers, Charles (Greta) Ridlen, Decatur, Illinois, and Edward (Sue Ann) Ridlen, Ames, Iowa, as well as nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Other close friends include brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joe and Barbara Smith, Indianapolis, and Tom and Ginger Clark, Chestertown, Maryland, and kidney donor Karla Stouse and her husband Jeff.
