John Ryder

John Shelby Ryder

Port Barre - A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for Mr. John Shelby Ryder. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Rev. Father Daniel Picard will celebrate the Mass. Shelby was born in Waxia, LA. He was a native and long-time resident of Port Barre, LA. He passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2013, at River Oaks Retirement Manor of Lafayette at the age of 84.

He was a U. S. Army Veteran who proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict with the U. S. Army 82nd Airborne Division.

He was a graduate of USL with a Minor in Psychology and LSU with a Masters in Education. His dedication to education was evident throughout his life. He was a Teacher, Head Football Coach for the Port Barre Red Devils, and Principal of Port Barre High School. He retired from the St. Landry Parish School Board after working for over 40 years.

He enjoyed traveling, was an avid hunter and loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a devoted fan and supporter of the LSU Fighting Tigers. He lived a fulfilling and accomplished life.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Shirley Courville Ryder of Cecelia; his children, Cheryle Ryder Alexander and her husband, Bill of Baton Rouge; Debra Ryder Belle and her husband, John of Baton Rouge; and John Kyle Ryder and his wife, Linda of Port Barre; his step children, Sharon Fitzgerald and her husband, Mike of Cecelia; Beverly Kilgo and her husband, Wade of Ball; and Kevin LaPorte and his wife, Cindy of Cecelia; his grandchildren, Robyn Belle, Lauren Foy, Jincy Ryder, Jordan Ryder, Ashley Stelly, and Brandi Patin; his great-grandchildren, Ruby Fox, Layton Ryder, Arlei Patin, Mason Patin, Cane Stelly, and Austyn Stelly; two sisters, Patsy Morgan and her husband, Billy of Port Barre; and Ruby Moreau of Leonville; and one sister-in-law, Gerry Ryder of Port Barre.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Addie and Mary Pastorick Ryder; his first wife and the mother of his children, Janell Jordan Ryder; brother, Ivan "Buck" Ryder; two sisters, Veneita Grimmett and her husband, Charlie; and Leether Robin and her husband, Roy; and one brother-in-law, Harold Moreau.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Ryder, Bill Alexander, John Belle, Jordan Ryder, Mike Fitzgerald, Kevin LaPorte, Jeff Ryder, Matthew Ryder, and Jamie Ryder.

Visiting hours will be observed in the Sibille Funeral Home of Port Barre on Monday, November 11, 2013, from 4 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. On Tuesday, visitation will continue from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home. A Rosary service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Monday evening in the funeral home. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of River Oaks Retirement Manor of Lafayette and Hospice of Acadiana for their wonderful care.

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Port Barre.