Melvin James Rider

Mel Rider

Richfield, Utah

Melvin James Rider, 92, passed away October 21, 2019 in Provo. Mel was born July 8, 1927 in Kanab, Utah to F. Melvin and Vola Brown Rider. Shortly after high school graduation, Mel was drafted into the U.S. Army, near the end of World War II. On October 1, 1950 he married Dolores Egbert and moved to Richfield to begin their new life together.

Mel and Dolores have four children: Julie Rider Cowley (deceased), Russ (Cheryl) Rider Murrieta, CA; Jim (Zonda) Rider, Orem; and Ryan (Edna) Rider, Richfield; 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

Mel worked for Walt Tasker Accounting, the Utah National Guard and Utah Department of Transportation. He was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club and loved being one of the Kiwanis Klowns in the Fourth of July parade. Mel was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Richfield 6th Ward.

Mel is survived by his wife of 69 years; three sons; sisters: Yvonne Stirland, Margaret Excell, both of Kanab. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter Julie; grandson, Daniel Cowley.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in the Richfield 6th Ward Chapel, 200 East Center. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-7pm at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield, or Saturday morning from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in the Kanab City Cemetery with military honors at 3:30 p.m. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com