Rider

Thomas Eugene Rider of Pine Township, Mercer County, passed away Wednesday at his home surrounded by his family. He was 71 years old.

Mr. Rider was born July 10, 1943, in Chicora to George T. Rider Jr. and Martha A. Ray Rider.

He married Shirley J. Palmer on Oct. 30, 1964. She survives at home.

Tom graduated from Grove City High School, class of 1963. He was a member of the football and track teams. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1968, serving one year in Taiwan and achieving the rank of sergeant.

He worked for Magnetics Inc. in Sandy Lake for seven years as a foreman and then worked for 30 years for Ervin Industries Inc. in Butler in the processing department until his retirement in 2005.

Surviving besides his wife are two sons, Eric T. Rider and his fiancee, Mila, of Salisbury, Md., and Chad A. Rider and his wife, Sondra, of Fort Drum, N.Y.; two grandsons, Aaron T. Rider and Jordan A. Rider of Fort Drum, N.Y.; and two brothers, Bruce Rider and his wife, Connie, of Harrisville and Bob Rider and his wife, Becky, of Grove City.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Tom loved to hunt and fish while spending time at hunting camp with close friends and family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and loved to spend time with his sons and grandsons.

RIDER — Thomas Eugene Rider, who died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014, wished to be cremated. A private, family memorial service will be held later.Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 800-344-4867, 1501 Reedsdale St., Suite 105, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 or VNA of Western PA in Butler, 724-282-6806, 154 Hindman Road, Butler, PA 16001.Arrangements by the Cunningham Funeral Home, Grove City.