Keith Ryan

From: Holyrood KS
Keith Eugene Ryan was born in Lincoln, KS, on March 11, 1930, son of Bert and Rose (Nelson) Ryan. He departed this life May 3, 2011, at Promise Regional Medical Center after a valiant fight of 8 months with cancer. During the Korean War, he served as a radio and telegraph operator in the Army. After the war, he returned to Kansas and worked as an agent-telegrapher for the Santa Fe Railroad for many years. On weekends in the 60's and 70's, he operated the Spring Valley Bait Corporation and delivered over western and central Kansas. Later he produced the Midwest Antique Shows over three states. On his retirement from the Santa Fe Railroad, he raised and enjoyed Black Angus cattle. He served on the Flint Hills Foundation for Older Kansans Board for four years and he was very proud to establish Holyrood's Senior Citizens Center with a grant provided by the foundation. He served as Commander for Holyrood Post 200 for nine years and served on the Ellsworth County Historical Society Board until illness forced his resignation. Keith was known for his honesty, being such a hard worker and his laughter. Survivors include: Louise, his wife of 53 years; daughter Dian Nelson (Lloyd) of Kansas City, MO; sons James Page (Malinda) of Clatskanie, OR and Keith Ryan II (Maria) of Holyrood, KS; grandchildren Vickie Phillips (Eddie) of Olathe, KS, Thomas K. Ryan of Mt. Hope, KS, Victoria Witt (Terry) of Ranier, OR, and Ziena Vshinkoff of Anchorage, AK; brothers Wayne of Lead Hill, AR, Richard (Gladys) of Lyndon, KS, Gary of Texas, and Herbert (Danne) of Ozark, AR; sisters Mary Lou Hogg (Charles) of Springfield, MO, Fran David (Reuben) of Holyrood, KS, Bonnie Kissick (Dewey) of Tescott, KS. He was preceded in death by: brothers Donald and Casey; sisters Leanna Wallace, Jeanie Spear. Mr. Ryan was cremated. A memorial service with military honors will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Lincoln Art Center.

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