Gerald Franklin Ryder

Ryder, Gerald Franklin born on Mar 15, 1930 in Bay City, MI went to the Lord on Feb 1, 2014 in Sacramento, CA. A 20 year veteran of the U.S Air Force. Major Ryder served as a fighter pilot in Vietnam, and flew 265 combat missions piloting his F-100 Super Sabre. Of these 265 missions, 110 missions were with the “Mistys”, an all volunteer unit that flew low and fast to target enemy positions and supply routes. Major Ryder is Misty 141. Major Ryder’s unit lost rate was 22%, and there were only a total of 155 Misty pilots. Major Ryder was presented the Distinguished Flying Cross twice and received the Air Medal with 17 oak leaf clusters during the Vietnam conflict. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Juanita; his son Gerald John Ryder, and daughter Marla Juanita Ryder. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Wed, Feb 12 from 9am-11:30am with a Vigil Service at 11:30am at Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, 5401 Folsom Blvd in Sacramento. A Committal Service will be held the same day at 1:30pm at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon.

Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.