Kenneth Leverne Rider, son of the late Noble and Wavie Rider, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2020 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  Kenneth was born on July 11, 1926 in Oklahoma City and spent the majority of his life living in Oklahoma City and Moore before eventually residing in Edmond for the last years of his life. 

Kenneth was a long-time plumber before he and his wife, Sue, became the owners and operators of “The Rider’s 3C’s” childcare centers in Moore and Oklahoma City.  Many of their family members and friends share memories of Kenneth and Sue’s daycare centers over the years and can recall stories about holidays, educational lessons, lunches, etc. that took place in those buildings.

While Kenneth was proud of the things that he accomplished in life, his greatest joy and accomplishment was his marriage to his wife Bonita Sue Rider, and the family that they built together.  Kenneth married Sue on December 18th, 1943 at the young age of 16.  The two of them spent nearly 77 years of marriage together, building and creating a loving life that would make anyone proud.  You never saw one without the other!

Kenneth was a father to 3, grandparent to 6, great-grandparent to 9, great-great grandparent to 1, as well as a wonderful friend and family member to many more.  During his lifetime, Kenneth and Sue were known for always feeling happiest when the whole family was together.  Whether it was a trip in the motorhome, a day at Draper Lake, or an annual holiday, everyone was invited.  Kenneth loved traveling in his motorhome, relaxing in his recliner while gazing out the window, watching old westerns, and being with his wife.  At the end of his life, all who describe Kenneth share that he was consistently loving, light-hearted, and a cut-up.  He loved being silly and making others laugh!

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Bonita Sue Rider; daughter: Teresa Gillespie; daughter-in-law Jan Rider; grandchildren: Christi and Steve Richmond, Jarred and Rebecca Rider, Matt and Debora Rider, and Dustin Dodson; great-grandchildren: Josh and Andrea Webb, Ashley and Barret Austin, Jessica and Kyle Reeves, Rachel and Joe Stevens, Shelby Rider, Sydney Rider, Emma Rider, and Stephen Dodson; and great-great grandchildren: River Webb, and Grayson Rider.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his two sons: Michael Rider and Kenneth Wayne Rider; grandsons: Jeffrey Rider and Steven Rider; and great-grandson: Luke Rider.

Kenneth will be missed dearly by his friends, family, and all who knew him!

Visitation for Kenneth will be held from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday, November 28, 2020 and from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday, November 29, 2020 at the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel, located at 120 South Broadway, Moore, Oklahoma.  A private burial will be held for the family.  Services are under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel.