Henry C Ryder

Henry C. Ryder, 90, a community leader who was honored as an Indiana “Legendary Lawyer,” passed away peacefully on December 17th, 2018. Ryder was renowned for his work in labor law, social justice, education, community development and the arts. A dedicated family man who was twice widowed, Ryder was assisted in his final months and days by his loving companion Marilyn Goeke and his six children.

A servant-leader, Ryder used his consensus-building skills to advance downtown Indianapolis redevelopment, education, and civil rights. Indianapolis Monthly Magazine declared Ryder a “bridge over troubled water,” for his leadership role in PRIDE, a group formed to promote peaceful desegregation in Indianapolis. In 2013, the Indiana Bar Foundation honored Ryder with its Legendary Lawyer award, citing his legal wisdom, which was respected statewide. At a recognition ceremony, one of Ryder’s legal colleagues, Samuel “Chic” Born, said, “You’re a successful man. You’re an honorable man. You’re a good and faithful servant.”

Henry Ryder was born on February 18, 1928, in Lafayette, Indiana, the second of three children born to Raymond Ryder and Mina Arnold Ryder. A graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School , Ryder earned a social sciences degree at Purdue University, where his father was an education professor. In his freshman year at Purdue, Ryder shifted his initial plans for a degree in engineering. “At the welding lab I dropped an arc on my lab apron and burned a hole in my pants leg,” Ryder said. “That’s when I decided to go to law school.” Ryder received a law degree in 1951 from the University of Michigan.

After serving as a lieutenant in the US Army, Ryder and his wife, the former Anne Sater Clay, settled in Indianapolis, where Ryder co-founded a firm specializing in labor and employment law. The Roberts and Ryder law firm grew, later merging with Barnes and Thornburg, where Ryder retired a partner following 54 years of law practice.

A tireless civic leader, Henry Ryder served as a Purdue University trustee,, and as Chairman of the Board of Hanover College. He served as a director or chairman of The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Development Commission, Community Service Council of Greater Indianapolis, United Way of Greater Indianapolis, United States Auto Club, Indianapolis “500” Festival, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Purdue Research Foundation, Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana, PRIDE, (Peaceful, Response to Indianapolis Desegregated Education,) Kiwanis Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis, Columbia Club Foundation, Benjamin Harrison Home, Indianapolis Art League, Indianapolis Arts Task Force, Eiteljorg Museum, Peoples Bank and Trust, and Heartland Film Festival. In addition to the “Legendary Lawyer” award, Ryder’s honors include: the Indiana Jefferson Award, Abacus Award, Isidore Feibleman ‘Man of the Year’ Award, Benjamin Harrison Award, Purdue Alumni Service Award, Purdue Citizenship Award,, Kiwanis Civic Award, Who’s Who in American Law and Who’s Who in America.

Post-retirement, Ryder conducted the oral histories of many of Indiana’s most revered citizens, including former governors and judges. Costumed as the Hoosier Poet James Whitcomb Riley, Ryder gave performances across Indiana, reciting Riley’s works from memory with charm and flair. Ryder had a life-long love of music and was a member of the Purdue Glee Club. His rich baritone graced the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and Second Presbyterian church choir, where he was an Elder. An adventurer, Ryder traveled the world. His physical stamina lasted well into his 80’s, when he made a multi-day climb up to Peru’s mountain city of Macho Picchu wearing only boat shoes on his feet after the airline lost his luggage.

Ryder survived two wives, Anne Sater Clay Ryder (1930-1975) and Velma Dean Jones Ryder (1927 -2006). He later found love with Marilyn Goeke of Indianapolis, who survives him.

Ryder is also survived by his sister, Eloise Pingry of Charlottesville, his brother, Robert Ryder of Kentfield, California, and 6 children: David Clay Ryder and his wife Michelle of Seattle, Sarah Ryder Hugon and her spouse Francois of Indianapolis, Anne Ryder of Indianapolis, Michael Beck Jones and his wife Harriet of San Francisco, Paula Avis Jones of Santa Monica, and Teresa Lynette Jones of Nashville, Indiana, as well as 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Brookdale of Carmel, and the Forum at the Crossing memory care unit, who brought dignity and comfort to his final months.

A memorial service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana at 11:30 AM on Thursday, December 27, 2018 with a calling 90 minutes earlier from 10:00 to 11:15 AM in the church parlor. The family will have a private burial at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Second Presbyterian Church or the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel assisting with arrangements. You can share online condolences with the family at www.leppertmortuary.com.

The family has reserved a block of rooms for out of town guests at:

Drury Plaza Hotel

9625 North Meridian St.

Indianapolis, IN 46290

(317) 587-2701

When booking, guests should ask to book under rooms reserved for “Ryder Memorial Services”. Room rates are $99 per night for a standard room with either a king size bed or two queen size beds. The rate includes a very nice breakfast and evening reception every day.