Thomas E. Ryan

Thomas E. Ryan, died on December 7th, 2017 after a brief illness at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 16th, 1916 in Freeport, IL and graduated from Freeport High School in 1934 and the Army Air Corps Officer Candidate School in 1941. He was a World War II Pilot with over 4500 flight hours as pilot in command and served as a Flight Instructor during a majority of the war. After World War II, Tom was employed in the Marketing Department for Micro Switch/Honeywell. He is survived by his daughter, Blaine (Bill) Lytwyn of Plainfield, IL and their children Tracy, Carrie and Kelly; son, Bradley (Donna) Ryan of Lakewood Ranch, FL and finally his very dear friend, Alva Fullington of Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, his dear caretakers Mindy, Crystal and Carol who have become family to the Ryan's for their unwavering support, love and dedication they provided Tom in his final years. Tom was an avid reader, golfer and pianist. He was the past president of the Senior Men's League at Park Hills GC and attended First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and Elder and was also proud of earning the distinguished rank of 33rd Degree Mason. He enjoyed visiting family and friends and spent each winter in Myrtle Beach, SC. Some of his fond memories were visiting his grandchildren in Chicago and flying with his son from Freeport Albertus Airport to Indianapolis Executive for weekend visits with he and his and daughter in law. In his younger days, he was a strong supporter of Winneshiek Theater where he performed in many theatrical productions. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Dorothy Mallott and his second wife Marian Ryan along with his sisters, June and Nancy; favorite golfing buddies Jack Smith, Bob Readeker and John Luecke. Tom was also very proud of the great dogs he had in his life: Sgt Rowdy from WWII; Spot his childhood dog and Patrick O'dooley III who was a beautiful Irish Setter. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Liberty Village and FHN for their dignified and loving care; Park Hills Golf Course for the many wonderful memories he had throughout the years and our friends at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home for their warm condolences and kind words. Memorial services will be 1:30 P.M. Friday December 15, 2017 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Oakland Cemetery. Please sign Mr. Ryan's guestbook and share a remembrance at www.burketubbs.com.