Tommy R. Ryder

Tommie (Tommy) Ray Ryder, age 80, of Hulbert, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025. A man of unwavering dedication, integrity, and an unyielding love for family, Tommy lived a life full of adventure, service, and cherished traditions.

A proud graduate of Hulbert High School, Class of 1963, Tommy set out on a path of service when he enlisted in the United States Navy the same year. For four years, he honorably served aboard the USS Goldsborough (DDG-20), earning multiple distinctions, including:

- National Defense Service Medal

- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

- Vietnam Campaign Medal

A sailor through and through, Tommy took pride in the Navy’s time-honored traditions. He was not only initiated into the "Court of Neptune" as a Shellback, but also held the rarer distinction of Golden Shellback, bestowed upon those who cross the equator at the 180th meridian—a feat few accomplish.

Following his military service, Tommy transitioned into a career with the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service after completing the Department of Justice’s Border Patrol Academy in 1970. For over 20 years, he served in California, Washington, and Alaska, where he fearlessly upheld the law while defending his country, Tommy sustained significant injuries in 1975, 1981, and 1988.

In 1995, Tommy continued his service by joining the U.S. Marshals Service, working for over a decade as a Court Security Officer for the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Throughout his esteemed Navel and Department of Justice career, he received numerous accolades and letters of appreciation, notably from Chief United States District Judge James H. Payne, recognizing Tommy’s dedication and exemplary service.

Beyond his distinguished careers, Tommy was a man of many passions. A talented musician, he was often found singing and playing his guitars, filling family gatherings with melody and joy. He celebrated his family’s accomplishments with a proud smile and never missed an opportunity to brag about his siblings, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and grandkids.

A cowboy at heart, Tommy had a deep love for horses, rodeos, roping, and bull riding (in his younger days). He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, and watching his favorite Westerns, sci-fi, and scary movies. He was also an avid Cowboy Channel viewer and never missed a chance to watch WWE wrestling with his grandson.

A cherished tradition with the love of his life, Suzanne, was their 5 o’clock cocktail ritual—a daily moment to pause, reflect, and talk about their day, even on road trips (but that’s a secret). For 35 years, their love and companionship were a testament to the power of unwavering devotion.

Tommy was preceded in death by his beloved Suzanne Ryder (Ayles), his parents, Zeke Ryder and Opal Ryder (Post), his sister Barbara Creech, and his brothers Joe Ryder and Raymond Ryder. He is survived by his three loving sisters, Marie Ridenhour, Linda Colburn, and Sue Weathers, his stepson Todd, and grandchildren AnTony, Alec (gator), Hannah, and Katlyn. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. Tommy's legacy of love extends even to his two fur-persons, Kaycee and Indi.

Tommy will be laid to rest with his family in a private service at Holland Cemetery.

A true patriot, protector, and family man, Tommy lived with honor and left behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. He will be deeply missed, but forever remembered in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.