Ryan Clithero, 32, of Springfield, Missouri passed away September 10, 2017 in Carbondale, Illinois. Ryan was born in Springfield on February 15, 1985 to Monte Clithero and Vicki Clithero. He was a graduate of Glendale High School and Missouri State University and was a first year law student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He loved to read about, analyze, and discuss historic and current events with family and friends and never gave up on his dream of becoming a lawyer. He earned a scholarship to SIU where he was drawn in by the Carbondale area’s nature trails and wildlife.
Ryan was an avid fisherman and enjoyed hunting and target shooting. While at Missouri State, he was a member of the MSU Trap and Skeet team. He was a member of Glendale’s baseball team during his high school years and continued to love baseball as a loyal Cardinals fan.
Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfather, Paul L. Clithero, and his grandmother, Lura A. Easterly. Ryan is survived by his parents, Monte Clithero and Vicki Clithero, Springfield; his sister, Lauren Clithero Eck and her husband, Craig Eck, St. Louis; his grandmother, Patsy Clithero, Vandalia, Missouri; his grandfather, Herman T. Easterly, Dayton, Ohio; his girlfriend, Dena Dill, Springfield; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends.
Throughout his life, Ryan’s family and friends experienced the power of receiving and giving unconditional love. In his teen years, Ryan made his profession of faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, where he participated in youth activities for several years. Ryan’s family and friends will miss his big heart, sheepish grin, and frequent reminders of his love for them, but are comforted by knowing that he has been received and made whole by our Heavenly Father.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:00am at Greenlawn Funeral Home East (3540 Seminole, Springfield, MO 65809).
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 6:00pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home East.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ryan’s memory to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Southwest Missouri (P O Box 4853, Springfield, MO 65808).