Elwyn C. Rider "Rabbit"

Rider, Elwyn C. (Rabbit)

age 93, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2019 at Ridge Crest Health Campus in Jackson, Michigan. He was born in Jackson, Michigan on September 18, 1925 to parents Carl and Myrtle (Corser) Rider. Preceded by his parents, 7 brothers, his wife of 54 years Vanza (Mure) Rider, and brother-in-law James (Jimmy) Mure. Survived by daughter Bunny (Rider) Wilson and her husband Steve Wilson, son Bill Rider and his wife Lisa (Canty) Rider, grandchildren Brian Wilson and Lindsey (Gallo) Wilson, Aimee Wilson and Josh Bolick, Jeneva (Rider) Schroeder and Ryan Schroeder, sister-in-law Anita (Karazim) Mure and many nieces and nephews.

Rabbit truly lived life to the fullest. He always said "you got to participate" and he did throughout his life, especially when it came to his family, friends, and sports. He was a Marine in WWII in the Pacific theater, a Journeyman plumber for 40 years, a professional baseball player in the South East minor leagues, and a semi-pro football player on the Jackson All-Stars. He was inducted into the National Semi-pro Football Hall of Fame. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 55 years. He was a member of the Jackson Five, a group of five Jackson residents who worked in the U of M press box during home football games for over 60 years. They were elected into the Michigan Media Hall of Fame. Rabbit was a member on the Jackson Parks and Recreation Board for over 50 years and also served on the Ella Sharp Park Board of Trustees. He coached football at St. John High School and scored basketball games for Lumen Christi High School. He was an avid gardener, as well as a skilled builder of model airplanes and railroad buildings.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 3, 2019 at the Desnoyer Funeral Home, 204 N. Blackstone, Jackson, at 10:00 AM with
Reverend Michael Geml officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, June 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and again on Monday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM before the service.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to all the loving and attentive staff at Ridge Crest Health Campus and Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Rabbit's name to the Salvation Army or Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice, 100 E Michigan Ave Ste 400, Jackson, 49201.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 129 years