Earl A. Ryder, Jr.

Earl Ryder, Jr., 79, of Paxico, KS passed away at his home on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014. He was born March 12, 1934 in Taunton, MA the son of Earl A. Ryder and Ethlyn Hattie Coe Ryder. Following his graduation from Taunton High School, he enlisted into the U.S. Navy, followed by his career in the U.S. Coast Guard before retiring in 1976 after 24 years of service. He married Almeda “Kathryn” Weeks in Charleston, SC, July 29, 1955. Earl was an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officers Association of Topeka, the V.F.W. and American Legion of Topeka. He was always very proud to have served his country and especially with the Coast Guard. He was a proud grand-father and enjoyed taking his great-grandchildren on vacations each year and spending his time with them whenever he could. His survivors include his wife, Kathryn, of their home in Paxico; one daughter, Susan Almeda Hall (Clifford) of Gardner, KS; one son, Gerald Allen Ryder (Kelly) of Basehor, KS; a sister, Ethlyn Ferreira of North Dighton, MA; a brother, Leroy Ryder of Attleboro, MA; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Linda Arlene Ryder and Kathy Ann Ryder Bishop. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Wamego, KS. The family will greet friends during a luncheon at the church hall following the service. Burial will be held at a later date in Taunton, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, PO Box 48, 66547.