Jerry Eugene “Jake” Rider, age 64, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at the Ness County Hospital, Ness City. He was born September 20, 1954 in Ness City, Ks to Earl and Opal (Likes) Rider. Jake was raised in rural Brownell and graduated from Ransom High School in 1973.

Jake was a lifetime resident of Ness County. On September 2, 1978 he married Jan Schlegel in Ness City. Together they raised two boys, Tyler and Tanner. After working in the oil fields as a floor hand for Warrior Drilling, he went to work for D & S Machine as a roustabout. Later he joined his father-in-law on the family farm. When his father-in-law, Pete, retired he was joined on the farm by his sons. His hobby was making scale toy farm implements for friends and family and taking them to toy shows to sell. Jake was an avid K-State fan and enjoyed following the team and traveling to bowl games. He cherished spending time with his five grandchildren and being a part of their many activities.

Jake is survived by his wife, Jan; sons, Tyler Rider and his wife, Becky and Tanner Rider; five grandchildren: Eve, Daphne, Asher, Titus, and Jayne Rider all of Ness City, brother Jim Rider and his wife, Bessie, and his sister, Sue Luetters, and her husband, John, all of Hutchinson. Preceding Jake in death were his parents and a brother, Billy Rider.

Visitation will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, on Thursday, August 8, 2019 from 6:00 –8:00 p.m. A memorial service will be on Friday, August 9, 2019, 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Ness City with Pastor Deb Harvey presiding. Graveside inurnment will follow the memorial service at the Ransom Cemetery. Friends may sign the book at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ness County Hospital or the United Methodist Church.