Thad Bryant Ryan

Thad Bryant Ryan, 86, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri passed away Tuesday, January 06, 2015 at Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.He formerly lived in Morehouse, MO, and Puxio, MO for many years. He was born July 20, 1928 in Lilbourn, MO to Joseph Patrick and Ola Elgin Ryan. He was formerly married to Phyllis Buchanan Ryan for 52 years. He attended most of his school years in Puxio Public Schools, but moved his senior year and graduated from Marston High School. Thad earned a B.S. in Education from Southeast Missouri State and a Masters Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. Thad was a proud veteran serving in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War. Thad was a dedicated educator for many years, serving as a superintendent in both the Puxio and Morehouse school sysems. He was a vice-principal and teacher in the Sikeston Public Schools. Other school districts that he worked for were Bloomfield, Desoto, Bayless, and Egyptian, Ill He was a member of Rauch-Spence Memorial United Methodist Church in Morehouse for 47 years, where he enjoyed singing in the choir and serving as Sunday School superintendent. Thad was a 50 year member of the Masons and was a member of the Morehouse Kiwanis Club for many years. Thad loved his bowling leagues, gardening, coaching, and discussing sports. He was a frequent blood donor, and volunteered during several disasters. Survivors include a daughter, Toni [Jerry] Dement of Cape Girardeau, and a son, Keith [Carmela] Ryan of Fenton, MO; four grandchildren, Lindsay [Josh] Miller, of Jackson, MO, Jami [Zac] Hudson of Columbus, OH, and Jessica and Jake Ryan of Fenton, MO; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Kylie Miller of Jackson, MO. Thad was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Arnold, Jerry, Carl, and Everett Ryan,and a sister, Gertrude Downie. There will be no visitation. Graveside services and burial with full military honors will be at 12:00 PM Friday, Jan. 9, 2015 at the Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO with the Rev. Ray Placher officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross, 2430 Myra Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 or Rauch-Spence Memorial United Methodist Church, 107 Holmes Ave. Sikeston, MO 63801. Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Thad Bryant Ryan

January 6, 2015