Vernon D. Ryan


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March 6th, 1954 - June 19th, 2023

From: Koshkonong, MO
Visitation: 11am-1pm Saturday, June 24, 2023
Richmann Chapel - Wayne County, MO
Funeral: 1pm Saturday, June 24, 2023
Richmann Cemetery - Wayne County, MO
Burial: Richmann Cemetery - Wayne County, MO

Vernon Dewayne “Buddy” Ryan passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO, at age 69. The cancer that took him was discovered during his 9-day hospital stay. He was surrounded by his family and his favorite music at the end.

Buddy was born on March 6, 1954, to Vernon J. and Faye (Warren) Ryan. He grew up in Granite City, IL, with a lot of family & friends. “Buddy stories” still make for great conversation among family & friends. His sons, and now his grandchildren, love to hear of his exploits and adventures.

Buddy attended school in Granite City, IL. He was a veteran of the US Army. In 1977 he met his wife Claudia Davis in Dexter, MO. Over the years he worked as a diver, a construction worker, and a heavy equipment operator. Unknown to many, he worked at the Santa Barbara Zoo. He became disabled due to a debilitating back injury he suffered in 1986. He loved the outdoors. The annual deer hunt was an eagerly anticipated holiday at the Ryans. He looked forward to those days he spent hunting with his boys and Chas and his late brother-in-law, Randy Keck. He loved visiting Steve & Sam’s deer camp to tell stories, play cards, and figure out the winner of the big buck contest.

Buddy was most proud of his sons and his grandchildren. They brought joy to his life, and he loved to brag on them. Buddy was preceded in death by: his parents; his brother, Tony; his grandparents; and many beloved uncles, aunts, and cousins.

He is survived by: his wife, Claudia; his sons and daughters-in-law, Travis Ryan and Tiffany, and Shane Ryan and Niki, all of Paragould, AR, and Dillon Ryan and Tess of Butler, KY; his grandchildren, Taylon, Brodie and Adalyn, all of Paragould, AR, and Arya Ryan of Butler, KY; his sisters, Kathy Keck and Tina Ryan, both of Granite City, IL; 2 nieces, Shauna Keck and Danielle Wright; 1 nephew, Chad Buckingham; and many great-nephews and nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will begin at Richmann Chapel at 11am on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Buddy’s cousin, Reverend Phil Warren will deliver remarks in the chapel at 12:30pm. Graveside services, officiated by Buddy’s lifelong friend, Greg Dickerman, will be at 1pm at the Richmann Cemetery adjacent to the chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of the Clary Funeral Home of Alton, MO.

Church/Cemetery directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qp5RQmsuuUzFshCs7?g_st=ic




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