Donald E. Ryder

Mr. Donald Eugene Ryder, of Greencastle, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday November 7, 2025, at Menno Haven Rehabilitation Center. Born January 23, 1936, at home in Saint Thomas Township, PA. He is son of the late Elmer Roy and Sadie Lenzie Auman-Ryder. He was preceded by his beloved wife Arlene of 67 years.

Donald attended the former Lemasters High School. His life revolved around work, family, woodwork, gospel music, arboring, horticulture, yard work, and enjoying God’s creation. He loved people, making them smile, and encouraged joy in others. Throughout his life, his careers included farming, orcharding, home building, and General Maintenance Supervisor for Potomac Edison.

He enjoyed helping others with home improvements and projects. He had a great passion for his church and was committed to soul winning and being a godly servant. Don was a Godly man who was passionate about caring for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don was very much a humanitarian and known for his compassionate care for anyone needing it. He had a sense of humor that is treasured. He was a tremendous joy to be around and encouraged others to share the same joy.

He spent his final years at Heritage Hills Retirement Community where he was happy and a content resident where he enjoyed witnessing to others. He made many new friends and considered Heritage his home. He made a special young best friend at Heritage…Brody Sprague; they were inseparable best friends.

He was an active member of the Antrim Brethren in Christ Church in Chambersburg where he served as Deacon, Greeter, Church board member, Sunday school teacher for many years.

Donald is survived by his four sons, Rick A. Ryder (Crystal) of Greencastle, PA, Mark O. McCullough (Darlene) of Fayetteville, PA, Roger L. Ryder of Chambersburg, PA, and Randy E. Ryder (Patricia) of Hagerstown, MD; 7 grandchildren, Randy Jr. (Kassie), Jeremy (Amanda), Ashley, Brittany (Bill), Brooke (Chad), Lauren (John), Blake (Mariah); and 10 great grandchildren; Bryana, Mason, Bailey, Dawson, McKinlee, Beckett, Emerson, Eleanor, Tommy, and Dempsey.

In addition to his parents and siblings, he was preceded by his beloved wife of 67 years, Arlene, whom he married on December 15, 1956, in Ft. Loudon, PA. As well as 5 siblings; Harold Ryder, Francis Grace Martin, Alda Mae Lehman, Anna Ruth Showalter, Hazel Witter, and great-grandson, Avery Burkhart.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Antrim Brethren in Christ Church, 24 Kauffman Rd., East, Chambersburg, PA, where Pastor Casey Hurst will officiate. The family will receive friends at the above church and address on Thursday November 13, 2025, from 6 -8 PM and on Friday one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in Parklawn’s Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are entrusted to the Harold M. Zimmerman and Son Funeral Home, Inc., Greencastle, PA. Online condolences may be offered on Don’s page at www.zimmermanfh.com. Donald loved sharing the word of God. He loved and adored his wife and family and was dedicated to his family and church and will be greatly missed.