Thomas B. Ryder

ROODHOUSE
Thomas B. Ryder, 82, of Roodhouse died Monday, Oct. 15, 2001 at his home.

He was born Aug. 13, 1929, near Patterson, the son of Joseph W. and Lora Ford Ryder. He married Irene Smith in 1948; she preceded him in death in 1972. He married Helen Wilcox in 1974.

Mr. Ryder, a lifelong farmer, attended Roodhouse, Glasgow and Patterson schools. He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving for more than three years in the 343rd Engineer Regiment. He recently received his World War II medals from former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole. He was a member of Glasgow Baptist Church and Bethel Baptist Church in Jerseyville. He was a member of Flying Farmers, served as past president of the Southwestern School Board of Piasa, as well as serving on the boards of Federal Land Bank, Illini Product Credit Association, Jersey County Soil Conservation and as trustee of the Williams-Edwards Cemetery Board. He also showed Tenessee Walking Horses and was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.

Survivors: wife, Helen; a son, Tom (wife, Peggy) Ryder of Jerseyville; a daughter, Janet DeLassus of Godfrey; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; two brothers, Joe (wife, Roberta) Ryder of Glasgow and Alfred (wife, Mary Ann) Ryder of Princeton, Mo.; and three sisters, Mary (husband, George) Lashmett of Winchester, Catherine "Kate" (husband, Everett) Bowers of Roodhouse and Elizabeth "Sue" (husband, Oliver) Loy of Medora.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday First Baptist Church, Roodhouse. Burial: Williams-Edwards Cemetery, near Barrow.

Mackey-Daws Funeral Home in Roodhouse is in charge of arrangements.