Merle "Gene" Ryder

Merle “Gene” Ryder passed away surrounded by love on May 2, 2022.

Gene was born to Merle and Christine on March 8, 1945, in Georgia. He met the love of his life, Judith, in the third grade and the two were married on April 28, 1967. Together, they raised a beautiful daughter, Jill (Paul). He was in the Navy for 4 years and served in Vietnam. Gene enjoyed building things and doing woodworking; he owned the Wood N Hammer. Gene was a teacher in Mt. Clemens Schools for over 30 years. He was always on the move and loved being around his grandchildren. The grandchildren lovingly called him Pah. He was a genuinely wonderful man who did anything for anyone. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Devoted husband to Judi; loving father to Jill (Paul) Messing; beloved brother to Vera (Gary) Klug; proud Pah to Lucy and Henry; cherished uncle to Jennifer Vaccaro, Kristi Gibson, Allison Segebarth, and Tyler Parent; loving brother-in-law to Sue and Jeff Parent.

Predeceased by his parents, Merle and Christine, and sister Ellen (Ryder) Clor.

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