Ryder Thele

PATTON, Mo. — Ryder Thomas Thele, 16, of Patton passed away Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by his loving family.

Ryder was born Oct. 18, 2006, to Thomas "Tommy" and Chasity Thele. He was baptized Dec. 17, 2006, at St. Maurus Catholic Church in Biehle, Missouri. His godparents are Erica and Josh Mayfield.

Ryder was a sophomore at Meadow Heights High School and was involved in a variety of clubs and sports throughout his school years.

Ryder was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt deer, turkey, duck, rabbit and squirrels, and he especially enjoyed hunting when he was doing it with his dad, his papas and his uncles.

He loved to go fishing. He loved riding dirt bikes, four-wheelers and side by sides. He loved working on the family farm.

Spending time with his family, friends and girlfriend brought Ryder true joy, and he enjoyed having fun and hanging out with his buddies and cousins.

He was a loving and kind person who had a very big heart, and all who knew Ryder knew this about him. Ryder touched so many lives in his 16 years, and he will live on and be in their hearts forever.

Ryder is survived by his dad and mom, Tommy and Chasity Thele; sister and best friend, Kenna Thele; paternal grandparents, Tom and Debbie Thele; maternal grandparents, Gary "Butch" and Pam Wilfong; paternal great-grandparents, Donna Brotherton, Marilyn Thele and George Blattel and Diane Jones; maternal great-grandparents, Judy Wilfong and Kenny and Ida Buerck; aunts and uncles, Heather and Shawn Buerck, Erica and Josh Mayfield, and Derrick and Becca Wilfong; first cousins, Everett, Jaylen, Oakley, Duel, Jack and Daus; girlfriend, Kristin Statler; and numerous great-aunts and -uncles, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his paternal great-grandpas, Jack Brotherton and Dan Jones; maternal great-grandpa, Gary Wilfong Sr.; and maternal great-aunt, Jessie Wilfong.

Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 17, at St. Maurus Catholic Church in Biehle.

Funeral Mass will be at noon Saturday, Dec. 17, at the church, with the Rev. Patrick Christopher officiating. Burial will be at Post Oak Cemetery in Patton.

Memorial contributions may be given to The Ryder Thele Scholarship Fund, Post Oak Cemetery Fund or St. Maurus Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements were under the care of Ford and Liley Funeral Home in Patton.