GALESBURG - Richard Scott Ryden, 70, Galesburg, died at home Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, in the arms of his daughter, Annette and son Tony, with his son Dick watching over him.
He was born April 7, 1941, in Monmouth, the son of Ernest E. and Pauline E. Scott Ryden. He married Joceile H. Knutson on Sept. 11, 1958, in Missouri. He later married Glenda M. Pratt Gregory on April 16, 1977, in Galesburg.
He is survived by four sons, Richard L. Ryden, David A. Ryden, Kevin E. (Tracey) Ryden and Michael E. Ryden; two daughters, Patricia A. Ryden (and Ron Baumgardner) and Annette Gustafson, all of Galesburg; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren with one on the way; and his lifetime friend, Herb Zeltner. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jeffrey E. Ryden
Richard worked as a paint and body shop man for Knox Auto Body, Lincoln Mercury and several other body shops. He was known as one of the best around. He then worked as a deputy sheriff for Knox County Sheriff's Department. He later worked for the Independent Cab Company and operated City Cab. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1959 and had special training in Springfield for the Illinois Sheriffs Department. He was a member and former trustee of Fraternal Order of the Eagles Lodge. He was a member of Elks Lodge 894 and a member of the Illinois Police Association.