Jessie Ryder

A Memorial Service for Jessie Ryder will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at Lafond- Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas. Rev Raymond Partsch will officiate the funeral service. The inurnment will follow in Myrtle Grove Cemetery in Opelousas, LA.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM in the Skip Montet Chapel in Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

Jessie Ryder, a respected member of the Opelousas community, passed away on February 6, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on May 6, 1942, in Melville, Louisiana, Jessie dedicated his life to serving others through his distinguished career in law enforcement. He began his journey with the Opelousas Police Department, where he worked for over 30 years and steadily rose to the rank of Lieutenant. After his retirement from the police department, Jessie continued his commitment to public service by working at the Opelousas Marshall’s office for an additional seven years.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jessie was a proud veteran of the Army, an experience that shaped his dedication to the community. He possessed an unwavering love for his family, particularly cherishing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were a source of immense joy and pride throughout his life. In addition to his service and family, Jessie found pleasure in the simple joys of life, including fishing, which was a passion he pursued whenever he could. He fondly recalled the camping trips he and Kaye enjoyed in their RV, moments filled with laughter and companionship. Jessie also appreciated the excitement of visiting the casino.

Following the passing of his beloved wife, Kaye, Jessie established a daily routine that kept him connected to her memory. Each morning, he would begin his day by treating himself to a breakfast sandwich, followed by a visit to Ray's Boudin for his favorite black coffee, then go to the cemetery to pay his respects at Kaye’s grave and finish by stopping by his son’s workplace to visit.

Jessie Ryder leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and unwavering service to his community. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

He is survived by his sons, Todd Ryder and his wife, Lisa and Russell Nelams; his brothers, Allen Ryder and Douglas Ryder and his wife, Dianne; his sister, Ann Ryder Clark; his grandchildren, Sydney Ryder, Logan Delafosse and his wife, Theresa, and Lane Delafosse; his 2 step-grandchildren; and great-grandchildren, Julian Delafosse and Wesley Delafosse.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Alice Ryder; his beloved wife, Kaye Ryder; and his daughter, Melanie Kaye Ryder

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 funeral arrangements.