Obituary
Barry Lee Rider entered into the presence of our Lord on March 12, 2024. The son of Ronald H. Rider and Faith Z. (Reynolds) Rider, Barry was born on January 25, 1953 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended school in Wabash, Indiana for most of his formative years and graduated from Wabash High School in 1971. He served his country faithfully from 1973-77 in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged due to an unexpected illness, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors did not give him much hope of ever walking again, but before his discharge, he proved them wrong.
Back to civilian life, he became employed with the Shane Company as Assistant Manager, worked at other sales endeavors, and finally became a realtor for Property House. He married the love of his life, Donna Simmons in 1982, and they were married for 41 years. In 1988, he received his B.S. degree in Accounting from Ball State University. Barry continued to battle the physical residuals from his illness, but never faltered in his ambition to make the most of life. He was an outstanding salesperson due to his unique personality of making everyone feel at ease and valued. He served as a teacher to the young people at Northside Assembly of God Church, as well as being involved in youth ministry there. He thoroughly loved children of all ages, and so it was his great delight to be there for them as their friend and mentor. He never met a stranger and had a heart as big as a heart can get when it comes to compassion for others. He was a true patriot to his country and faithful to the God he served.
Dearest to his heart were his parents and siblings. Although as time went on, and many nieces and nephews moved away to begin their own life and families, they were always in his heart, and he loved them so much. Family gatherings meant everything to him, and he cherished the moments and the memories. One of his favorite, most passionate things was to watch IU basketball with his Dad--both were avid fans. He also loved "the Bears" football team, and always said he would "root for the underdog”. The poor Bears didn't always have the best record, but he always believed maybe they just might make it.
He is survived by his wife, Donna (Simmons) Rider, sister, Sharon Brockhaus, sister, Cindy (Phil) Swihart, brother, Brett (Annie) Rider, and sister, Linda (Steve) Dummitt. He is also survived by nieces and nephews: Katie (Chris) Marks, Brian (Natalie) Swihart with Brinlei and Breslyn Swihart, and Landan Johnson, Kristi (Levi) Tompkins with Luke, Daniel, and Jacob Tompkins, Michael (Tami) Dummitt with Erik, Izak, and Olivia Dummitt, Kari (Steven) Burtner, Jake (Annie) Dummitt, Joshua (Erin) Rider with Brett Matthew, Brody, Scarlet and Kohen Rider, Jason Rider, Caylen (Kristi) Rider with Christopher, Tiffany and Mylina Rider, Brian (Mackenzie) Brockhaus with Elexis, Dane, Emmalyn, Dexter, and Joviana Brockhaus, and Beth Brockhaus.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Faith Rider, and nephew, Timothy Swihart.
The family wishes to thank with deep appreciation those doctors and nurses at Ball Memorial Hospital on his care team who so compassionately cared for him and were such a support to the family as well. Also, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude to so many friends and acquaintances who gave their support and prayers.
Calling hours will be held at Glad Tidings Church located on 3001 South Burlington Drive, Muncie Indiana 47302 on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. The funeral will take place at 11:00 AM at the same location with Pastor Kevin Holt officiating. Burial will take place at Gardens of Memory Cemetery located at 10703 North State Road 3, Muncie Indiana, 47303.
Friends and Family may send condolences to www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com