Dr. Billie Wayne Rideout

Dr. Billie Wayne Rideout, age 87, passed away on December 8, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Hospice in Henderson, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents, Selby and Polly Rideout, and daughter, Linda Kay Rideout. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 69 years, Ethel Linda Westerman Rideout, daughter Vickie Rideout Myers, sons Ken (Laura) Rideout and Stan (Aelecia) Rideout, nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.  Dr. Rideout was a faithful servant of his church, community, and country. He was also a longtime Kentucky educator, with a charismatic personality who deeply cherished his family, friends, and colleagues.  Born in Webster County, KY, he relocated to Henderson where he lived most of his young adult life. Upon graduating from Barret Manual High School’s Class of 1952, Dr. Rideout earned four higher education degrees including a B.A. in Music Education from Western Kentucky University, a Master’s in Educational Administration from Indiana University, and a Rank I and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Kentucky.  While pursuing his higher education, Dr. Rideout led an accomplished 13-year career in the U.S. Military, achieving the rank of Major. His love of the military began with ROTC at WKU. He then attended Officer Candidate School for Artillery and Guided Missiles (Fort Sill, OK), followed by serving in the First Infantry Division of Artillery (“The Big Red One” – Ft. Riley, KS). During the Berlin Crisis, he served a second tour of duty at Ft. Chaffe (Ft. Smith, AR), training troops in the 100th Division of U.S. Army Reserve. He also taught at Officer Candidate School in Frankfort, KY, for both the Army Reserve and the National Guard.  Driven by his passion to help students, Dr. Rideout was an accomplished educator.  His expansive teaching career included band director, principal, superintendent of schools, college professor and educational consultant.  However, his true passion was teaching his beloved band students. While at WKU, he taught beginning band at three Bowling Green area schools. Upon returning to his hometown, he started Henderson County’s newly consolidated high school’ s first Band Program after becoming its first Band Director. He next became Principal at Robards Elementary School, and then Principal at Ridgeway High School (Ridgeway, IL).   In 1964 Dr. Rideout made Lawrenceburg, KY, his family’s home for 11 years, serving the Anderson County School System first as Band Director, then as Principal of the newly constructed high school, and he ultimately served as Coordinator of Federal Programs and Director of Special Education while earning his Doctorate.  During Dr. Rideout’s time in Anderson County, he and his family were fully immersed in the community and fostered many lifelong friendships.   Dr. Rideout returned to Western Kentucky in 1975 to serve as Superintendent of Schools, first in Union County and then Henderson.  After Dr. Rideout accepted the position of Superintendent of the Henderson County School System, the Kentucky Board of Education approved the Henderson City Independent School System’s request to merge with the County’s School System (1976-1977), creating Kentucky’s largest three-grade high school. Dr. Rideout then had just a few months to lead the full merger of the two school systems. However, his love of both Henderson’s City and County school systems, as well as his educational training and his military background, made him uniquely qualified for this major undertaking of successfully uniting the two school systems into one. The tremendous impact of his leadership during his 10-year Superintendency yielded a robust school system and an extensive legacy, including: the upgrading and construction of several school properties; construction of the new sports complex; design of multi-diploma and advanced placement programs; improvement of special education and kindergarten programs; establishment of a gifted and talented program; improvement of test scores; increased college admission rates; and creation of many programs, honors and activities which are still in existence today.    Upon retirement, Dr. Rideout taught Educational Administration doctoral classes and consulted for the Kentucky State Department of Education.  Dr. Rideout’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life. One of his greatest joys was serving as Minister of Music and Choir Director at several churches including: Forest Park Baptist Church (Bowling Green, KY), Sand Spring Baptist (Lawrenceburg, KY), and First Baptist Church (Harrisburg, IL). He was instrumental in the construction of Manhattan, Kansas’ First Southern Baptist Church. Combining his educational and leadership skills with his Christian faith, he taught Sunday School most of his life, served in youth programs, senior programs, jail ministries, The Gideons International, and various other committees. In recognition of his great contributions, he was recently honored as Deacon Emeritus at Henderson’s First Baptist Church. Dr. Rideout was a pillar of the community, serving on the Chamber of Commerce, City Lions Club, Junior Achievement, United Way, Leadership Henderson, and the Answer Center. A prominent community figure, he emceed many community events over the years. Giving generously of his time, he mentored students and colleagues, and left a lasting mark on countless careers and lives. His leadership, significant contributions, larger-than-life personality, and strong Christian faith leaves an unparalleled legacy of accomplishments.             In addition to being a voracious reader who made learning a lifetime mission, he was also an avid sports fan, enjoyed traveling and cherished time spent with his family.  Funeral Services will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Tomblinson Funeral Home Henderson Chapel with Bro. Bill Patterson officiating.  Burial will follow in Fernwood Cemetery with military rites conducted by the American Legion Worhsam Post 40 Honor Guard.    Visitation will be Monday, December 13th from 4-8pm.  The Rideout family has requested for those who attend to wear masks.   Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Anthony’s Hospice, 2410 S. Green Street, Henderson, KY 42420, or First Baptist Church, 307 Center Street, Henderson, KY 42420.