Arthur Blake Rider

Arthur “Art” Blake Rider, 81, of Bowie passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, September 10, 2020. His wife and children were with him as he crossed to eternity.

Mr. Rider was born on June 24, 1939 in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, which he moved from but never really left. The youngest of five children, his parents were the late Robert Ira and Mary Elizabeth Rider.

He graduated in 1957 from Northern Joint High School, Dillsburg. Soon after graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed with his growing family in Alabama, Alaska, Texas and Virginia. He served one 12-month tour in VietNam and short duties in Korea and Japan. He retired from the Air Force in 1978 to focus on his responsibilities as Vice-President of Colonial Transit Corporation, Fredericksburg, Virginia. In the early 1980s he began his second career with the Department of Defense (Navy) serving many capacities within their ground fleet services. He loved to work, mainly because of the great friendships he forged with his colleagues.

In his early years, Art enjoyed playing many sports, especially baseball in which he excelled as a pitcher first for NJHS and later for the Air Force. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, particularly with his father and then with his three sons. Having the opportunity to experience the wilds of Alaska in its “early” years made memories that lasted his entire life. He later developed an equally strong passion for golfing with friends and family. He always had an affinity for the “home team” and he never wavered with his loyalty towards the Washington Nationals and the Redskins. He was very patriotic, and he could explain with great clarity how he understood why his Country was well worth serving.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Nancy Miller of Bowie, three sons, Donald Rider and wife Kelli of Sacramento, California, David Rider and wife Dale of Manassas, Virginia, Daniel Rider and fiancé Michele of Annapolis, two stepdaughters Candice Schwartz and husband Eric of Lexington Park, and Krista Marion and husband Richard of Catonsville, 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren as well as many loving nieces and nephews and devoted friends. Besides his parents, Mr. Rider is preceded in death by sisters Sarah Yohn and Isabelle Collier and his brother Ralph Rider. Sandra (Snyder) Sergent, his first wife and mother of his three sons resides in Edinsburg, Virginia. He missed his parents and siblings tremendously, remembering them often. Another sister, Esther, died as an infant long before Mr. Rider was born.

Due to COVID restrictions, the family is electing to host a private celebration of life for immediate family.  This will be poolside, celebrating Art’s enjoyment of family while grilling his favorite meals.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to:
Hospice Amedisys
1400 Mercantile Lane, Ste 228
Largo, Maryland 20774

Dontation's may also be made in Art's name to:

Tribute at Melford
Resident Fund
17300 Melford Blvd
Bowie, Maryland 20715

Arrangements are in the care of Beall Funeral Home, P.A. in Bowie, Maryland.

Arthur Rider’s final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery.