Cecil Edward Ryan, born May 2, 1930, in Oxly, Missouri passed peacefully on Sunday, January 18th at the age of 95 years. Cecil was the youngest of eleven children born to Joseph and Margaret Ryan, all who have preceded him in death.
Cecil was a military veteran, proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War, he stationed in Korea until honorably discharged. After his time in the Army, he returned to Poplar Bluff, Missouri and went to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone company and remained with them until his retirement.
On June 14, 1956, he married Mary Ann Baumgardner, and they built a life together spanning 64 years until her passing on January 16, 2020. Cecil and Mary had five children and their spouses Alicia (Ron), Mark (Sybil), Angela (Mike), John (Teri) and Jim (Tracy). He will be fondly remembered by his children, their spouses, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren and all those that knew him.
As a lifelong resident of Missouri, Cecil had a love of the outdoors, working on his farm, especially anytime he could get on his tractor, gardening and spending time on the lake boating and fishing. He also had a love of history, especially Civil War history, visiting Civil War battlefields across the country. Cecil’s hobbies also included woodworking, reading and traveling. Cecil and Mary Ann enjoyed may trips traveling around the US, Canada, Alaska, and Ireland. One of his favorite hobbies was sharing stories of his lifetime adventures.
Cecil was incredibly blessed to have Mary Ann and a loving marriage of 64 years and a long life, doing the things that he loved and enjoyed with family and friends. He will be missed by those remaining but now he can return to the love of his life, joining her in heaven.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Ash Grove Healthcare Facility, for taking such loving care of our dad during his time there.
Cecil was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Billings Mo. Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 27th at the church at 9am, followed by a 10am mass. Internment will take place at the Missouri Veteran Cemetery at 3pm. All service details are available on the Greenlawn Funeral Home website: http://greenlawnfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers: donations can be made to the Food Pantry at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Billing, Mo.
Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South.