Thedford Daniel “Danny” Rider, 99, De Soto

Thedford Daniel “Danny” Rider, 99, of De Soto died March 29, 2021, at Hillcrest Care Center in De Soto. He was a manager at a Kroger grocery store and a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during World War II. He also served as a deacon and treasurer at First Free Will Baptist Church in De Soto, and he was a charter member and belonged to the Master Builders of the Free Will Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing and traveling. Born June 14, 1921, in Gumbo, he was the son of the late John W. and Mattie (Jones) Rider.

He also was preceded in death by his wife: Mildred J. (Baldwin) Rider.

He is survived by six children: Gary Rider of Farmington, Barbara Ann (Gary) Schwenk of Vallejo, Calif., Danny (Barbara) Rider of Apache Junction, Ariz., William (Carolyn) Rider of De Soto, Allen Rider of San Diego, Calif., and Phillip Rider of De Soto; a sister: Norma Jean (Ralph) McFarland of Festus; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son: Michael Rider; and three brothers: Paul, John and Willard Rider.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday (April 9) at First Free Will Baptist Church, 1401 S. Fifth St., in De Soto. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday (April 10) at the church, officiated by Brother Bob Thebeau. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.