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FUNERAL HOME
Garrett Ryder, MD Obituary
Garrett Blaine Ryder, MD, 57, of Lake Charles was welcomed Home by his Lord Jesus on Friday May 7, 2021 in Lake Charles following a brief illness.
Garrett was born in Philadelphia, PA and was raised in Shreveport. He completed his undergraduate studies at Baylor University where he met his wife Angela, also of Shreveport. He received his medical degree from LSU Medical Center School of Medicine in Shreveport and he completed his residency training in the practice of psychiatry in Tulsa, OK. He was also board certified in geriatric psychiatry. Garrett moved to Lake Charles 26 years ago to raise his family and to practice psychiatry.
Those blessed to know Garrett personally remember him as a jovial, fun-loving, and kind man who had time for everyone--and who especially had time for those canine in nature. Those who knew Dr. Ryder professionally remember him as a thoughtful, thorough, and fiercely compassionate physician. He cared deeply for his patients and worked to save and to better the lives of thousands during his 31 years at the practice of psychiatry. Of his many accolades and accomplishments, he held nothing more dear than his beautiful bride, Angela, whom he so affectionately called Sweetie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W.L. and Lelia Marie Fant Ryder. Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife of 34 years, Angela Anderson Ryder, Lake Charles; sons, Zachary Cameron Ryder, MD and wife Katelyn, Temple, TX; Braden Pierce Ryder and wife Christen, Lake Charles; and Graham Quincy Ryder and wife Dylan, Pueblo, CO; grandchildren, Tziyon, Bowen, Maren, Mila, Lucan Ryder (with another on the way), brothers William, Robert, and Darryl Ryder; sisters Annette Ryder, Janis Bosley, Cheryl Brightwell, Brenda Ryder, and Alycia Griffiths; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family of the heart.
Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday May 11, 2021 at University Baptist Church. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday at University Baptist Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Family interment will be at a later date.
Memories and Condolences
for Garrett Ryder, MD
50 Entries
Judy Reynolds
August 26, 2022
Angela, I just discovered the information concerning your precious husband's death. I am so sad that I never had the chance to meet this wonderful husband, father and grandfather. I 'd like to think that Ashley was there to greet him as he entered God's loving arms. God bless you and all of your beautiful family.
Much Love,
Judy Taylor Reynolds
Frank Lindeman
June 1, 2021
As a patient, Dr. Ryder was a phenomenal doctor and an even greater human being. He helped me and countless others.
I feel that our sessions went beyond just client/doctor and he will be missed.
Pat Laborde
May 19, 2021
My sincere condolences to the family
Greg Minix
May 18, 2021
Dr. Ryder and I met in 1996, he really helped me. I was misdiagnosed and he set things right in my life. He was a caring man and showed true concern for my well- being. I thank GOD for allowing our paths to cross. Your family will be in my daily prayers. May Almighty GOD hold and keep as you walk your new normal, and my the memories made with Dr. Ryder sustain you each day.
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Velder Paul
May 17, 2021
Dr. Ryder blessed our lives with his loving and determined care of my wife Alice. She loved him and I will
always be grateful for his joyful uplifting heart. We only learned of his passing after the funeral so to his wife and family please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss of an irreplaceable man of God.
Robert Be
May 14, 2021
I still fondly remember our medical school days, working hard, playing even harder (tackle football with no pads, and this crazy game called KAOS as freshmen-- I’m still surprised half the class didn’t get kicked out for that!).
Garrett, it is obvious that you turned out to be a great doctor. But I think, more importantly (as it was apparent to us back then), you were a GOOD man.
God bless you in the afterlife, brother.
Though I’ve never met you, Angela, my deepest condolences and prayers go out to you and your family as well.
Krystal Foy
May 14, 2021
Dr Ryder pushed me both as a nurse and as a person. He expected the best and he drew you to want to be the best. I am forever grateful for the things he taught me ,the family members he helped me with and I mainly appreciate him helping me when I was struggling with grief. He was always kind but no nonsense and I appreciated that so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you all ❤
Bridgett and Rick Thomas
May 14, 2021
Angela I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. My husband and I were classmates in medical school with Garrett.
John Shannon
May 14, 2021
Garrett always seemed to be a happy person through medical school. My condolences to his family and close friends.
Amy Carpenter
May 12, 2021
Dr. Ryder was such a wonderful person. It was an honor to have known him. Angela, you and your family will be lifted up in my prayers. I pray peace that passes all understanding and a special covering over you all.
JIMMY Tramonte
May 12, 2021
He was a great Doctor and I considered him my friend.
Dianna Fruge
May 12, 2021
I will miss a good man who took time with his patients. In pursuing my training to be a social worker, I met Dr. Ryder as a student. I spent many hours on rounds with him and he took time with me. Within the last year we reconnected as Co-workers, and I really appreciated his take on things. Blessings.
Patricia Anderson
May 12, 2021
Angela and family, my prayers have and are with each of you as you encounter the days without your beloved Garrett. My hope is that you will lean on God's loving arms to give you peace and hope today and in the days to come. May all of the sweet memories you have of Garrett warm your hearts. I love you, Aunt Pat Anderson.
Rick and Becky Hoffpauir
May 11, 2021
A gifted physician who brought hope and healing to our family in our darkest hour. He was the hand of Jesus to us and we are forever grateful.
Trisha Ryder
May 11, 2021
Prayers for your beautiful family. Thanks for being such a good friend to Troy and me
Jay Soileau
May 11, 2021
I am sorry for your loss. We will have a void in Lake Charles in many ways. I appreciated Garrett’s friendliness and kindness to all. His medical practice was very much appreciated.
Dick Gremillion
May 11, 2021
We will miss you.
Love, Dick and Fay Gremillion
Jennifer Odom
May 11, 2021
I have been honored to know Dr Ryder since 2004 in my ymca days and couldn’t think of a better match for our Board at the time. I asked if he would join and he accepted the challenge. Shortly after that he took care of my grandmother and words cannot express the talent he had for caring for the elderly. I am forever grateful. Then again, I had the privilege to work with him at Oceans hospital and asked him if he would write a letter of recommendation on my behalf for entry into the Nurse Practitioner program. I was told “he never writes those for anyone.” Yet he said yes and wrote an amazing referral for me. I will always respect Dr Ryder and remember him fondly. Thank you for being a great teacher, physician and mentor. You are truly missed.
Rachael EWING-WARRINER
May 11, 2021
Lord, wrap this family in your loving embrace.
Rachael EWING-WARRINER
May 11, 2021
For almost 20 years Dr. Ryder was my doctor, and he also became my friend. We both loved dogs! He would encourage me to bring my Chihuahua to my appointments, and there were many times his dogs were in his office as well. Dr. Ryder also took on my grandmother as a patient when she developed dementia. He was so kind and patient with her. She trusted him immensely. He was with her until her passing. She passed with dignity and grace. He made you feel like you were his best friend, always greeting you with a big smile as soon as you walked in the room. He was one of a kind and will be missed. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to his family.
Lisa Melancon
May 11, 2021
My Dearest Angela, I wish I had all the magical words to make the loss and pain you feel go away. I also wish that I had been able to meet Garrett. His love for you and your boys are extremely evident in all the wonderful memories you have shared. May you and the boys take much comfort knowing that he is with the Lord and will be watching over you all from above, and that you will all be together again. Sending lots of love and prayers.
Lynn and Lisa Melancon
Bill Willis
May 11, 2021
Enjoyed having the opportunity to work with Dr. Ryder at Ocean's Lake Charles. He was a professional, courteous and patient & family focused physician. Prayers are extended to his family.
Scott Day
May 11, 2021
Words cannot do justice the man Garrett had become. I knew him as a classmate at Agnew throughout our childhood as the funny, yet competitive, guy that everyone enjoyed being around. Godspeed and God bless your family.
Susan Cole
May 11, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jim Anderson
May 11, 2021
I knew Garrett personally and professionally since he moved to Lake Charles in 1995. He was starting his practice in psychiatry, and his practice grew quickly because of his expertise and personal touch.
Garrett never let his professional career interfere with his personal life. His faith was quiet but strong. Angela was always at his side and they successfully raised three sons.
It was a sad day when he called to say he had cancer.
Now that his physical pain is gone the emotional pain remains. I will miss him - but I will see him again some day. JMA
Marue Davidson
May 11, 2021
Dear Angela...my deepest sympathies to you and your family. My husband Allain and Garrett were racquetball partners
and Garrett helped us with Allains illness.
We lost Allain on July 16,2020 so my heart feels your loss. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. May the Holy Spirit send you consolation and comfort and strengthen you in these days ahead.
David Hanchey
May 11, 2021
We spent a lot of time together hunting, fishing, and watching our boys grow up and play sports. What a great husband and father, and a joy to be around! He also helped my mom greatly when she needed it. We will miss you, Garrett, but will see you again soon.
Susan Cart
May 11, 2021
Angela, so sorry to hear about Garrett. I’m lifting you and your family up in prayer.
Dena K. Biagas
May 11, 2021
Words cannot express the deep sadness felt, learning of Dr. Ryder’s transition. “Doc” taught me how to expect & deliver excellence through his example. When I guide and teach, I often use lessons learned from working side-by-side with him as a provider of services and as a mentor. How I loved the challenges to take care and services to the next level. He was always striving for the absolute best. His drive helped us grow as individuals and as a team of professionals who strived to make him proud day in and day out. As a result, his patients and their families always received his undivided attention and the best treatment he could provide. Dr. Ryder will always be remembered as the best provider, co-worker, mentor, and friend I’ve ever experienced. I wish to lift Mrs. Angela, Dr. Zach, Braden, Graham, Jan, and their lovely families in prayer for peace and clarity. I cannot forget his beloved canines, “the boys.” They were/are an extension of his kind spirit. Thank you for sharing Doc with us. The impact he made in geri psych is his legacy for which there is no competition. I love you all.
Jamie Sutton
May 11, 2021
Angela and family, I am so sorry for your unexpected loss. Your happy family life is a testament to his love for you, too. My thoughts will be with you.
Troy Ryder
May 11, 2021
Doc you were a Great Doctor but a better Friend. Thanks for being there for me.
Jim Adams
May 10, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ryder family at this most difficult of times. Unfortunately previously scheduled tests for knee replacement next week will make it impossible for me to attend services. Please extend our condolences to everyone. Meeting Lou and Tee when they moved to Atlanta in the late 60’s set in motion a life changing series of events that ultimately led me to move my family to Louisiana and as they say the rest is history. God bless you and yours. Jim and Judy
Larry LaBorde
May 10, 2021
My condolences to all the family.
Roy and Lynette Bellemin
May 10, 2021
We light a candle in honor of the memory of Dr. Garrett. We are better individuals for having the opportunity to meet such a kind and spiritually grounded neighbor @ Big Lake who embraced life to its fullest and was eager to share it with his boys. One of the highlights was when a member of our family ‘hooked’ a baby alligator while fishing, and Garrett ran to his rescue. He preceded to unhook the gator, lift it out of the dip net & gently released it back into the canal while the whole ordeal was caught on film.
Offering our sincere condolences
Roy & Lynette Bellemin and family.
Barry Johnsin
May 10, 2021
Angela, you are in my families prayers.
Diana Walker
May 10, 2021
This breaks my heart. The world lost a good man..
Gregg Hensley
May 10, 2021
We met at Agnew Town & Country Day School (2nd grade I think?) and were schoolmates all the way through Baylor, until he went off to med school. Just in the past year we reconnected for the first time since Baylor and Garrett was just like I'd remembered: funny, kind, and tough as nails. He'd been through a lot, and it seemed he was ready to pull through, and then suddenly...the news. I was really looking forward to getting to know Garrett again. I'll have to wait until heaven, old friend!
Erika Israel Connolly
May 10, 2021
I love you so much sweet cousin. I will see you again when I’m called home.
Kayla Coffey
May 10, 2021
Excellent doctor and will be missed deeply. He provided excellent care for my mom.
Patricia and Richard Blake Dodd
May 10, 2021
Dr. Ryder was our family Psychiatrist for almost twelve years. We are so sad to hear of his passing. Dr. Ryder was excellent working with Alzheimer patients. 3 of our family, who were patients, were there when he entered Heaven. Our prayers are for the family. May God give you comfort, and also joy, in knowing that you will be together again in Heaven one day.
Sheri Gallier Cluck
May 10, 2021
Dear Angela I cant even imagine what you are going through, I just want you to know the short amount of time I knew Garrett I knew he was a very special man. He loved you and your your family so unconditionally. He will so be missed and if there is ANYTHING you need please let me know. May God wrap his arms around you and the boys!
Judith Rials
May 10, 2021
I really liked and respected Dr Ryder. I have been a patient for four years. I found him very compassionate and more like a friend than a doctor. We talked about fishing a lot and I met his beautiful dogs. I will miss him. My prays go out to his family.
Maureen Poe
May 10, 2021
I met Dr. Ryder many years ago. My introduction went something like this, "hey, I heard you are a Geriatric Psychiatrist, I am a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner." His response was, "we should work together." And so we did. He taught me , he tested me, but most of all he respected me and what I brought to the table. For that I will be forever grateful. Sometimes he helped me with my family and sometimes I helped him with his (and he has a lot of family!) So , I will continue my career in Geriatrics in his honor, although I feel such a poor substitute.
You will be greatly missed!
Debbie Huval
May 10, 2021
You helped make me the nurse I am today. You set a high standard for your nurses and for that, I am thankful. I appreciate the education you offered during treatment team and have learned a lot from you. Krystal used to call it “Ryder’s Nuggets of information” and the nuggets were wonderful! You will be missed! My prayers are with the Ryder family.
Alisa Barton
May 10, 2021
Dr. Ryder made me a better clinician. He challenged, guided, supported and did so much more. I’m beyond appreciative for the opportunity I had to learn from him. And the way he always talked about and loved his family immensely. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Best pic ever and our precious dogs brother
May 10, 2021
Chris Thompson
May 10, 2021
A great friend , joyous , always fun, introduced us to big lake , will miss my friend but will see him again!!
RENEE AMOS
May 10, 2021
HE WAS ONE OF THE KINDEST AND MOST GENTLE PEOPLE I CAME TO YOU. WE WERE BLESSED TOHAVE HIM CARE FOR OUR LOVED ONES.
Gwen Thomason
May 9, 2021
You shared your knowledge with me and your intolerance for ignorance makes me think before I act or speak. I will always remember that grin on your face and you just shaking your head. You were a good friend and you will truly be missed.
Steven Spurt
May 9, 2021
Thank God for all you did to help me to be a better person!
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for Garrett Ryder, MD
May
11
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
University Baptist Church
LA
May
12
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
University Baptist Church
LA
Funeral services provided by:
Johnson Funeral Home - Lake Charles4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605