Lewis Allen "Lewy" Ryder Sr.

1941 - 2024

Lewis "Lewy" Allen Ryder, Sr., age 83, passed away at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home on July 31, 2024.Lewis was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, on April 13, 1941, and was a resident of LaPlace, Louisiana for 55 years. He was the son of the late Wilbur Lewis and Hazel Ruth (Peterson) Raypholtz. After Wilbur's passing in a car accident, Hazel married James Tilt Ryder on July 3, 1942, and he adopted her three children. Lewis grew up in East Lansing, Michigan. In his youth, he enjoyed ice fishing, working as a newspaper boy, caddying, lifeguarding, and taking care of his black Labrador Retriever, Val. After graduating from East Lansing High School in 1960, he served in the United States Navy. In 1963, Lewis attended Midwestern Broadcasting School in Chicago, Illinois, where he earned a certificate in announcing and began a career as a DJ. During a weekend trip to New Orleans in the spring of 1963, he met the love of his life, Gail Ann Kieffer Ryder. They were married on December 28, 1963, at St. Rose de Lima Church and shared 57 years of happiness together. Lewis and Gail started a family and moved to LaPlace in 1969. He worked as a bellman for Hilton Hotels. His dedication and work ethic led him to a position with Delta Airlines, where he enjoyed a 26-year career as a Senior Customer Service Agent and wholeheartedly committed himself to the company and his colleagues. During his retirement years, Lewis enjoyed being outdoors and started his own lawn care service. He found joy in woodcarving and painting, and he had a deep fascination with history, music, weather, and space. A proud lover of Mardi Gras, Lewis was a dedicated member of the Krewe of Endymion for 19 years and looked forward to the Endymion Extravaganza each year. Famous for his sense of humor and generosity, his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. Known affectionately as "Pagone" to his grandchildren, he was their biggest fan and supported every activity they did. He attended numerous school functions, dance recitals, sports events, vacations, and birthday parties. His lighthearted, playful personality will continue to live on through everyone who knew him. Lewis was a loving husband who always prioritized his family's needs. He made perpetual sacrifices to ensure his wife and children's well-being and happiness. He devoted himself to taking care of his wife when she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017. Despite the physical limitations that he endured when he suffered a stroke in September 2020, he continued to accompany her to all her appointments and treatments. Until her death on August 3, 2021, they loved creating memories together with their family and friends.Lewis is survived by his son Lewis Allen Ryder, Jr. (Jennifer) of Nolensville, Tennessee; daughter Tammy Ryder Trichell (Steve) of LaPlace, LA; grandchildren Kristen Trichell, Lauren Trichell, Karen Trichell, Chad Ryder, and Faith Ryder; sister-in-law Neva Frazier; sister-in-law Ruth Ryder Diepenbrock and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Wilbur Lewis Raypholtz and Hazel Ruth Peterson Raypholtz Ryder Escher, and adopted father James Tilt Ryder, and brother James "Mickey" Ryder and sister Mary Lou Ryder Larkins (Ronald). The family would like to express gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Ochsner Medical Center Kenner for their excellent care and support during his final days. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd, New Orleans, on Saturday, August 3, 2024, starting at 11:30 AM, followed by funeral services in the Chapel at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Hope Mausoleum, 4841 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Rescue Revolution, a non-profit animal rescue organization located at 258 Grande St. Houma, LA 70363. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.greenwoodfh.com.