Herbert Lee Ryder, age 93, passed away on July 8, 2024.

Born in Oberlin Jan. 11, 1931, Herbert’s first business venture was shining shoes, using a shoeshine box his older brother made from an apple crate.  During the Louisiana Maneuvers, some of his shoeshine customers were future World War II generals.  For extra income, Herbert also milked cows before school.

His first “real job” was with Calcasieu-Marine National Bank, in his hometown of Oberlin.  

After his military service (Korea) ended, Herbert returned to the banking business.  He was the manager of the Iowa, La. branch for many years, until he was promoted to the main office to be the head auditor of Calcasieu-Marine National Bank.  He retired as a Senior Vice-President.

As a personality, Herbert did not lack from a shortage of opinions.  He was stern, but steady, conservative, and loyal to a fault.  

To his family, who knew him best, Herbert was occasionally imperfect, but ever so earnest, wrong about little things, but not about the big stuff.  Raised by quality parents, Herbert lived by the family code, when in doubt, err on the side of character.

Though his profession was banking, his real treasure was his family, to which he was loving, dependable, and thoroughly committed.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nona B. Ryder; his children, Herbert Keith Ryder (Lake Charles), and Rebecca Ann Ryder Darbonne (Lenny, Lake Charles); grandchildren, Tonya Ryder Pourteau (Brian, Moss Bluff), Rev. M. Julien Ryder (Andrea, Calhoun, La.); great-grandsons, Beaudrie Graham Ryder and Benjamin Gent Ryder, and many nephews and nieces.

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, C.L. and Annie Fontenot Ryder; his siblings, Earl Bruton Ryder, Andrew David Ryder, and Alfred Ray Ryder; his sisters-in-law, and daughter-in-law, Pamela.  

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, viewing and services at Apostolic Temple Church (2711 W. Prien Lake Rd.) on Thursday, July 11.  Viewing 10:30 a.m., services at 1 p.m.

Internment service at Green Oaks Cemetery, Kinder, La.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Global Missions Fund at Apostolic Temple Church.

The family expresses their gratitude to his caregivers, Donna Babcock, Myrtle Fowler and Stacey Spencer.  Many thanks,to Dr. Craig V. Broussard, Jim and Andrew of Centerwell Home Health, and the caregivers of Heart of Hospice.  

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.