Deke J. Rider

Service Update: If unable to attend in person, watching the service through livestreaming will be available. Funeral services will be livestreamed through the Camp Hebron and Dimon Funeral Home Facebook pages on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM EST.

Deke Jason Rider, beloved husband and father, drew his last breath at age 50 on July 18, 2026.

He was born September 16, 1975 to Williiam and Geri Rider. Deke grew up in Farmington, Iowa, graduating from Harmony High School. He attended Simpson College (Indianola, IA) graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. He was soon to receive a Master’s degree in Counseling at Asbury Theological Seminary. 

Deke started working as a camp counselor in Iowa around age 16. This lit a fire in him, and he spent nearly his entire adult life working in camp ministry. While working as a camp counselor at Wesley Woods, Deke met his future wife, Suzanne Rider. They were married on May 20, 2001.  He eventually became the Director at Wesley Woods. Since 2017, he’s been the Executive Director of Camp Hebron in Halifax, PA. Deke touched thousands of lives through camping, sermons, Bible studies, men’s groups, volunteering, and just being himself.

Deke was the archetype of a well-rounded man of God. He was a jack of many trades (and even master of a few), capable, patient, humble, and deeply caring. He wielded power tools, heavy equipment, and helped fix up many things - buildings, situations, or people. He was excellent at listening without judgment. He also knew his boundaries, and would be one of the first to say he was a flawed human. He approached everything in life with warmth, humor, and a deep emotional intelligence.

Deke was a memorable public orator, excelled in athletics, loved connecting with people, enjoyed woodworking, and was the walking embodiment of God’s love. His wife and children were the lights of his life. He loved great food, attending sporting events with his family, spending time with Isaac and Lia, going to Subway for “romantic dates” with Su (if you know, you know) and grilling incredible dinners for all. He had a real knack for showing up when help was needed. 

One of Deke’s favorite bible verses was ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ – Philippians 4:13. He took that to the max by lifting impossibly heavy things, being the go-to guy for just about everything, and pulling off human-size miraculous feats on the regular. His loss is a stunning blow to everyone and everything in his orbit. Deke was one of those people that made everything better. 

Deke had a presence that could infuse those around him with his magic. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel safe, welcome, and valued. If you knew him, you likely experienced that light firsthand. His example reminds us that we all have the power to brighten the world. May we honor Deke by choosing kindness, spreading joy, and letting our thoughts, words, and actions carry forth the light he so naturally shared.

Deke is survived by his wife Su and their two children, Lia and Isaac. He is also survived by his mother Geri Rider, brother Blake (Cheryl) Rider, sister Asche (Dave) Rider, his in-laws, Max and Diane Maddy, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William Rider, and his aunt Kay Smith.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 1, at Camp Hebron’s Gymnasium, 957 Camp Hebron Road, Halifax. Visitation will be 2-4 pm, with services at 4 pm. A reception and dinner will immediately follow at Camp Hebron’s Sylvan View dining hall. All are welcome to attend, and wear camp attire if you like.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for the continued support of Deke’s children can be made to the Lia and Isaac Rider Fund, c/o Mid Penn Bank, 349 Union Street, Millersburg, PA 17061.

The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., Tower City, is honored to serve Deke's family. To send condolences, visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deke J. Rider, please visit our floral store.