Donnie "Pop" Ryder

Donnie “Pop” Ryder, 79 of Benjamin passed away Monday, February 1, 2021 in Knox City.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in the Benjamin Cemetery with Jerry Bob Daniel and Benny Archer officiating.  Services are under the direction of Archer Funeral Home.

Donnie was born on November 28, 1941 in Vernon to Bill and Pearl Hunt Ryder.  He was a graduate of Benjamin High School and attended several colleges, the last of which was North Texas State University.  He rodeoed in college and beyond, riding saddle bronc and bare back.  He married Barbara Walsh in 2004 in Lake Bonham.  Many knew him as the famous Marlboro man.  Some knew him because they took things to him to “fix”.  Others as the man on the dance floor that never sat out on a jitterbug.  It must be noted that he couldn’t waltz!!  He was an all around jack of all trades, he was ornery and loved his family.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Ryder; 2 daughters, Shannon and Jason Ewing and Stacia and James Propps; 4 grandchildren, Trey, Chance, Shaylee and Cody; 1 great grandson, Jake; 2 sisters, Judie Whitten and Sue Oxford; 4 step-children; 11 step-grandchildren; 8 step-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Benjamin.