Daniel Frank Ryder, age 79, of Little Elm, TX passed away peacefully at The Woodlands, Denison TX, on Monday, October 24, 2022. Daniel was born on October 11, 1943 in Wilkinsburg, PA to Frederick Ryder and Mary (Hnat) Ryder. He was a High school graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree. He married Karen Forsythe. He was formerly employed in entertainment, writing for half-time shows. He was a wonderful, fun man and enjoyed life to its fullest. He will be greatly missed by his loved one.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife; Karen Ryder of Little Elm, TX, his children; Tim Ryder & Olesia of Little Elm, TX, Dan Ryder of Garland, TX, Craig Ryder of Albuquerque, NM, his two sisters; Judy Lawyer & Karl of Verona, PA, Virginia Arnda of Pittsburg, PA, four grandchildren; Lily, Jenna, Sammy, William, other extended family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Frederick and Mary Ryder, two brothers; Fred & Bill Ryder, three sisters; Lois Wilson, Betty Stertz and Joan Remai.
No services are planned at this time.
Terry Smith
I remember Danny and his bat "the Purple People Eater" ( He actually let me use it for a couple of hits) when we played for the Championship team , the Bears in Penn Hills ! I remember the coaches picking him up & dropping him off at his house on (?) Jefferson Road !!! Thinking he was an excellent musician as well !!!!🎼🎼🎼
William Gaw
Danny was truely amazing and ahead of his time. First classmate of '61 to own/drive a '49 Mercury call a lead sled. A music talent with perfect pitch hearing. At Geneva College he would sit on a grassy bank along a highway hill and without looking, name the type of truck pulling the hill just by the sound of the engine.
He and Johnny Gest were 1st and 2nd trumpets in the marching, concert, and jazz bands. His love for music and marching bands forged his very successful career programming half time shows for many universities. I can remember not being able to talk much with Danny in the Spring as he was too busy writing half time shows for the Fall.
He was a athlete also. Best left handed pitcher we had on our Prep League baseball team.
I'll miss his quick mind, great smile and funny cackle laugh. One truely blessed guy that definitely left more than he started out with. Love ya Dan. Play a tune for the angles.
Samuel Adams
Sorry to hear of Dan's passing. We were good friends at Penn Hills and Genea College. One of my best memories with Dan was right after graduation Dan,Bill Gaw,Clair Maxwell and me went up to Geneva -on-the-Lake for a weekend. The only cabin we could find was under construction The roof was missing. We rented it anyway and sleep under the stars. Dan was always fun to be around. I will miss him at the reunions. My sympathies to Karen and his family. God Bless
Janet Renschigai (Laus)
Dan was a buddy from our days in the band, and he remained a good friend after high school. He was in our wedding and we became fast friends with his girlfriend and future wife Karen. Fond memories of trips, mini reunions with Tim and Suzi Worner and Joe and Char Frank, and visits to Texas to see Dan and Karen. Dan was an amazing talent and had a great sense of humor and a crazy, lovable laugh! We'll miss you Dan!
Jan and Mike Laus