Lynn Rider

Lynn Stephen Rider, 86, of Cape Girardeau passed quietly without further suffering Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at the Lutheran Home after struggling with Parkinson's disease many years.

He was born Feb. 5, 1927, in Owego, N.Y., to Harry and Mary Stephens Rider.

Lynn enlisted in the Navy in 1944 while still in high school and was discharged in 1946. He graduated from Clarkson University in 1951 with a degree in electrical engineering.

His entire work career was with General Electric in the heavy military division in Syracuse, N.Y. During this time he was involved with radar and missile-tracking system research, as well as work with NASA in the very early years of space exploration. He enjoyed being outdoors and the wonder of nature, especially being on the waters of Otisco Lake.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Van Vlack Rider of Cape Girardeau; four children, Linda (Doug) MacQueen of Potsdam, N.Y., Stephen (Becky) Rider of Cape Girardeau, Carol Person of Rochester, N.Y., and Nancy (Kevin) Kulp of Orchard Park, N.Y.; two stepchildren, Steven (Valarie) Van Vlack of Austin, Texas, and Debra (James) Hinman of Amelia, Ohio.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Dr. Douglas (Dr. Amy) MacQueen of Ithaca, N.Y., Meghan (Chris) McDaniels of Highland Mills, N.Y., Amanda (Anthony) Carroll of Des Moines, Iowa, Dane Rider of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bryant Rider of Cape Girardeau, Christian Person of Rochester, N.Y., Matthew Person of Syracuse, N.Y., Michael Person of Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Rebecca and Lauren Kulp of Orchard Park; two stepgrandchildren, Alexander and Avery Elizabeth Hinman of Amelia; and a great-grandchild, Jack MacQueen of Ithaca.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, June S. Rider; a brother, Elmer Rider; and a sister, Jean Turner.

A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home, with Mark Boettcher officiating.

In lieu of donations the family asks you spend time with and support your family and loved ones. If it is your inclination to donate please support the Parkinson Foundation or your local hospice of choice. The Lutheran Home Hospice was of great comfort to Lynn and family in his final weeks.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.