Lawrence L. Rider

Lawrence L. Rider, 97, peacefully passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on October 1, at his home in Mechanicsburg.

He was born March 3, 1927, the youngest child of Abner and Minnie (Moody) Rider. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife and high school sweetheart Betty (Enck) Rider; sister Jeanette Smith; brother Russell Rider; son-in-law Gregory Vasquez; grandson Shea Anderson; stepson Kenneth Curtis and many cousins and in-laws.

He is survived by his loving wife Virginia (Uhl) Rider; son Gary (Sharon) Rider; daughters Diane (Ronald) Anderson, Teresa Vasquez and Melinda (Dane) Condon. He is also survived by three stepsons Jeffrey Curtis, Wayne (Lori) Curtis and Keith (Karin) Curtis as well as six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, 16 step grandchildren and eight step great-grandchildren.

A child of the depression and a teen of World War II, Lawrence grew up working on the family farm, milking his first cow at age nine. Because of those modest roots, he learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and hope. From a humble one-room schoolhouse, Lawrence went on to excel at Mechanicsburg High School where he played football and was president of the Future Farmers of America, while continuing to manage farm duties. Upon graduation in 1945, he was immediately drafted into the Army, where he served for one year in occupied Germany.

Lawrence was a committed man of faith and a lifelong member of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church. There he could be found each Sunday – in the same pew – always arriving earlier than needed. He volunteered to help with many activities and was a beloved member of the congregation. During life’s challenges and losses, Lawrence found peace and comfort in his strong faith and relationship with his Lord. He was a daily reader of his Bible, and he started every meal with a quiet prayer of thanks. 

Throughout his life, Lawrence was involved in many organizations and was a community leader. He served as a township supervisor, led hunters’ safety classes, was a Boy Scout and Explorers leader, an active member of the PA Farm Bureau and a founding director and eventual chairman of the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District.

After years of farming, Lawrence began working for Upper Allen Township. As he had throughout his life, he pushed himself to achieve more. He moved from the road crew to become the manager/operator of the growing wastewater treatment plant, after taking correspondence courses and getting certified. 

Upon retirement in 1989, Lawrence launched into his treasured woodworking hobby, creating intricate scroll-saw ornaments and various wooden treasures. The patience, attention to detail and steady hand were a metaphor for how Lawrence lived his life. He loved giving the items as gifts, usually carrying an ornament in his shirt pocket, just in case he met someone who needed one.

Everyone who ever knew Lawrence benefitted from his wisdom, his integrity, and his commitment to excellence. Lawrence believed each person had the choice to make smart decisions, to be accountable for their actions and words, and to compassionately consider others’ struggles. During their 50 years of marriage, he and Betty instilled in their children the importance of family, faith and forgiveness. Through 24 years with Virginia, their marriage exemplified the beauty of second chances, patient companionship and steadfast loyalty.

The world has lost a great man who impacted countless people with his generosity, his kindness, his wisdom, and his faith. Stubbornness and grit ran through his veins along with a sly sense of humor. He had a strong dislike for drama, foolishness, and egotism. He would think this obituary was much too long…and we should get on with our lives now.

He will live on not only through the countless ornaments that have brought smiles to many, but also through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who had the blessing of his constant support, his hard-earned knowledge, and his never-waning curiosity in learning something new from them.

The family thanks the wonderful nurses and staff of Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, especially Mindy, as well as his loving pastors Aaron Erdley and Martha Boyd for their tremendous care and support.

As per his wishes, a private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please honor Lawrence and his commitment to helping others with a donation to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Lawrence’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Lawrence’s obituary, offer condolences, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a memorial candle and sign his guest book by visiting Lawrence’s official obituary page at Buhrig.com.