William Ryan

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- William T. Ryan, 88, of Chaffee passed away Sunday, July 20, 2014, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 1, 1925, in Harrisburg, Arkansas, to William "Will" Sherman and Cleo Esther Evans Ryan.

William served in the United States Navy during World War II.

He was a farmer and then became an engineer with Frisco/Burlington Railroad in Chaffee. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and VFW Post 3127 in Chaffee. William enjoyed fishing and exploring on his computer. He was always there when we needed him.

Survivors include a brother, Evans H. Ryan of Chaffee; two nephews, Jerry (Rose) Ryan of Davison, Michigan, and Jim Davidson of Jonesboro, Arkansas; four nieces, Shirley Mills of Jonesboro, Martha Talarico and Glenda (Chris) Caughlin of Flushing, Michigan, and Carol Cannon of Chaffee; many great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by three brothers, James Earl, Hugh Patrick and Edwin Ryan; a sister, Raye Marie Davidson; four nephews, Sherman, John and Bob Ryan, RC "Sonny" Davidson; and a niece, Jane Hart.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. today at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Ambrose Church, with the Rev. Randy Tochtrop as celebrant. Burial will be in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield, with full military honors presented by Missouri Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home, 2400 Veterans Memorial Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be made at amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.