Thad Ryan

Thad Bryant Ryan, 86, of Cape Girardeau passed away Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, at Life Care Center of Cape Girardeau. He formerly lived in Morehouse and Puxico, Missouri, many years.

He was born July 20, 1928, in Lilbourn, Missouri, to Joseph Patrick and Ola Elgin Ryan. He was formerly married to Phyllis Buchanan 52 years.

Thad attended most of his school years at Puxico public schools, but moved his senior year and graduated from Marston High School. Thad earned a bachelor of science in education from Southeast Missouri State University and a master's degree in education from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

He was a proud veteran, serving two years in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Thad was a dedicated educator many years, serving as a superintendent in the Puxico and Morehouse school systems. He was a vice principal and teacher with the Sikeston School District. Other school districts he worked for were Bloomfield, De Soto, Bayless and Egyptian.

He was a member of Rauch-Spence Memorial United Methodist Church in Morehouse 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 a member of Morehouse Kiwanis Club many years. He 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; a son, Keith (Carmela) Ryan of Fenton, Missouri; four grandchildren, Lindsay (Josh) Miller of Jackson, Jami (Zac) Hudson of Columbus, Ohio, Jessica and Jake Ryan of Fenton; two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Kylie Miller of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Arnold, Jerry, Carl and Everett Ryan; and a sister, Gertrude Downie.

There is no visitation.

A graveside service and burial with full military honors will be at noon Friday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with the Rev. Ray Placher officiating.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.