Harrison "Gummy" "Sonny" E. Rider, 76, of Centre Hall, went to his eternal home, surrounded by family, Saturday, May 31, 2008, at his residence.
He was born October 19, 1931 at Bellefonte, a son of the late Calvin and Beatrice Witmer Rider.
On April 9, 1955, he married Shirley Mae Stoner who preceded him in death on July 23, 2001.
Surviving are his four daughters, Naomi M. Clouser and her husband Ted of Centre Hall, Amy L. Pyle and her husband Dan of Rebersburg, Connie K. McClenahan and her husband Brad of Centre Hall, and Cindy S. Witter and her husband Chris of Millheim; one son, David E. Rider and his wife Melody of Blanchard; three brothers, Glenn Rider and his wife Phyllis and Kermit Rider and his wife Alma both of Bellefonte, and Lawrence Rider and his wife Anna of Howard; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two step grandchildren, and seven step great grandchildren; and his canine buddy, Buddie.
In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by four sisters, Ernestine, Veronica, Joyce and Esperance; and three brothers, Loye, Dair and Vaughn.
Mr. Rider served in the U. S. Army, with the 101st Airborne Division, during the Korean Conflict, from 1953 to 1955, earning a National Defense Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a Korean Service Medal a United Nations Service Medal and along with his unit earned an ROK Presidential Unit Citation.
He farmed and was a self-employed contractor in Centre County for many years.
Harrison attended Grace United Methodist Church in Centre Hall. He was an avid and accomplished gardener, and served his community by working with Meals on Wheels, and actively participating in Daffodil Days. He was a generous person who thrived on being helpful to others.
Friends will be received from 6 - 9 p. m. Monday, June 2, 2008, and Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA. Friends may also call at Grace United Methodist Church, 127 S. Pennsylvania Ave. from 10 - 11 a. m. Tuesday, June 3, 2008. The funeral will follow immediately at the church at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Judith Hulslander officiating. Burial will be in Zion Hill Cemetery, Colyer, with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Clearfield Hospice, P. O. Box 626, Clearfield, PA 16830; or to Grace United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 292, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com