Charles Ryder

Joseph "Charles" Ryder passed away on March 18, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was born on December 26, 1942, in Opelousas, Louisiana, and he devoted his life to shaping the minds of young learners over an impressive 46-year career in the St. Landry Parish Schools and Lafayette Parish School Systems.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana. Father Neil Pettit will celebrate the Mass. Rite of Committal and interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Park. The pallbearers will be Randy Herpin, Freddie Herpin, Tommy Herter, Mark LeBlanc, Mike Hefner and Tommy Dauphin. The reader will be John O’Meara and gift bearers will be Christine Ryder and Kathryn Nieto.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, March 20, 2025, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas beginning at 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday evening led by Deacon Dwayne Joubert. The funeral home will reopen on Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.

Charles received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from SLI/USL and subsequently earned his Master’s Degree 30 Plus in Education from LSU Eunice and LSU Baton Rouge. His passion for teaching and commitment to education made a lasting impact on countless students, who benefitted from his unwavering support and guidance.

A longtime parishioner of St. Landry Catholic Church, Charles carried a spirit of community within him that was evident in his daily interactions and ongoing commitment to those he held dear. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures, which included bowling with his wife in various leagues and tournaments. He was also an avid player of Bridge and Bouree', activities that brought him much happiness and connection with those around him.

Charles was a beloved husband to Christine Herpin Ryder, with whom he shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. He also enjoyed a close-knit family, including his sister, Kathryn Ann Ryder Nieto and husband, Juan, of Lafayette; brother-in-law, Freddie Herpin of Opelousas; sisters-in-law, Barbara LeBlanc and husband, Mark of Opelousas; Susan Simoneaux and husband, Don of Washington; Jolene Gremillion of Opelousas; Bonnie Darbonne and husband, Dale of Washington and Linnie Herpin of Opelousas. His legacy continues through his nephews, Blair Joseph Herter and wife, Jessica of Utrecht, Netherlands; and Thomas "Tommy" Eugene Herter III and wife, Lizzie of Lafayette; and his great-nephews, Emerson Roland Herter, Oliver Thomas Herter, and Owen Joseph Herter. He was also surrounded by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends who greatly admired him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Claiborne Ryder and Cecile Guidry Ryder; and his brother-in-law, Randal "Randy" Herpin.

As we remember Joseph Charles Ryder, we honor a man whose life was defined by his dedication to education, his love for family, and his enduring friendships. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.