LTC Paul E. Rider

Paul Eugene Rider of Austin, Texas passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 89. Paul was born on August 26th, 1936, in New Albany, Indiana, where he grew up as a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Paul’s wish to pass away at home was respected and honored by his devoted wife and daughters, along with their families.

Paul graduated from New Albany High School, Class of 1954, and went on to attend Indiana University, graduating in 1960 with a B.A. in Anatomy and Physiology. Always one for a challenge, Paul took the ROTC test to prove to a friend he could pass it. Paul then enlisted in the Air Force and attended Basic Training in 1960.

He attended Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, TX, graduating in February 1961. He was a navigator trainee to fly F4-C aircraft. Paul did multiple tours of duty in Cam Rahn Bay, Vietnam, where he and his pilot were shot down in October 1969. His pilot was fatally wounded. Paul received the Purple Heart for his service and injuries sustained in Vietnam. In 1970, Paul and his family moved to Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, where he was a squadron weapons system operator. In 1974, Paul and his family of six moved back to Texas, where he was the 602d Tactical Air Control Center Squadron Unit Commander, with his final assignment as a Wing/Base Director at the Command Post at Tyndall AFB in Florida. Paul retired in November 1983 after faithfully serving 23 years with the Air Force. Among many awards and medals, Paul received the following during his military career: Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Medal with 8 Oak Leaf Clusters; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Combat Readiness Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

Following his retirement, Paul continued his career in service by going back to school and earning his Physical Therapy Assistant degree. He worked with Healthtech Rehabilitation, Inc. and helped many recover from injury or illness. As a testament to his dedication, Paul was recognized during National Physical Therapist Month in October 1995.

Paul followed in the footsteps of his father and was also a member of the Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons in Indiana.

Lt. Colonel Paul Rider is preceded in death by his parents, Homer “Ike” and Clara Rider, his brother Neil Rider, his sister Carolyn Rider Sherrod, brother-in-law William Sherrod, and granddaughter, Laura Steves.

Paul E. Rider was the beloved patriarch of a close-knit family. He began many holiday traditions his family continues today. Paul shared a devoted life with his wife of 68 years, Jo Ann, and took great pride in his four daughters, Pam, Beth, Wende, and Becky, as well as his honorary daughter, Marie. His legacy also continues through his extended family, which includes four sons-in-law, twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a seventh great-grandchild expected by year’s end.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann Rider; his daughters Pam Steves (Mark), Beth Rider (Doug Hagemeier), Wende Seaton (Joe), and Becky Insall (Jerry). Paul’s honorary military daughter is Marie Brunswick (John). He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Daniel (Janelle), Wesley (Jenny), John (Danielle), Kyle, Matthew, Ryan, Collin (Amanda), Jayson, Cade, Jacquelyn, Elise, and Ainsley; and by his great-grandchildren Kaitlyn, Luke, Scarlett, Olivia, Brandon, and Crawford.

Paul’s extensive military service enabled his family to travel throughout the U.S., as well as abroad. While in Germany, the family of six crammed into their little BMW and traveled to Austria, Spain, and the Netherlands, where the girls were delighted to learn of different cultures and cuisines. Paul and Jo seemed to know their girls’ talents and passions early on and selected German hummel figurines to characterize each of them: Pam

received the hummel with a bank, Beth received a hummel singing, Wende received a hummel planting flowers, and Becky received the hummel reading books.

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice Care for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in his final days. We especially thank Julian and Patricia.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Cook Walden on Friday, May 15th, 2026, at 6100

N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX. The time of service is 3:00 pm, with a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Paul Rider’s memory to Wounded Warriors, or to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.