Donald M. Ryan
September 1, 1946 – July 27, 2020
In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place, and due to current restrictions, a private memorial will be held, followed by committal ceremony with full military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery. A public memorial will be held in the near future, when it is deemed safe to gather. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for the educational expenses of his granddaughter, Madison, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 73, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020. Don was born on September 1, 1946 in Attica, New York, son of Richard J. and Beatrice Mary Ryan. He graduated from Attica High School in 1964 and then furthered his education by attending 28 military schools and 27 civilian professional courses. Mr. Ryan enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 4, 1964 at the age of 17. He was the second Air Force Chapel Manager in the history of the Air Force to be certified by the National Association of Church Business Administrators (NACBA). Don was a 1969 graduate to the Air Force Systems Command Non-commissioned Officer’s Academy at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico. He completed the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer’s Academy in 1979. Don’s long and storied military career concluded on September 1, 1990 when he retired holding the highest enlisted grade in the Air Force–Chief Master Sergeant and has retained the title of Chief since that time. During his 27.5 year Air Force career, Don was awarded a long list of awards and medals, including two Bronze Stars. Don eventually met a gal named Joyce and they were married on March 17, 1995, most recently celebrating 25 years of marriage. He and Joyce did everything together and were a team to be reckoned with. Don had a heart for volunteerism and service on many different councils while in the military, including Boy Scouts of America, Senior Services in Kalamazoo, Director of Community Relations for Gryphon Place, Area Agency on Aging Region IIIA and The Greater Kalamazoo Chapter of the Red Cross. Don was a warrior for Senior issues. He was instrumental in and was most proud of his work in the development and ultimate passage of the Senior Millage for Kalamazoo County. When he wasn’t volunteering in his community, Don had interests in computers, woodworking, writing and people-oriented programs. Don leaves behind his beloved wife, children and step children, Donald (Kristen) Ryan, Teresa Carson, Jennifer VanDoren, 5 grandchildren, Finn and Egan Ryan, Ryan and William Prewitt and Madison VanDoren, his sister, Donna (David) West, Step brother, John (Michelle) Ryan and step sister, Laura (David) Haynes.
Dearest Joyce and Family, We are so sorry and saddened with Don’s passing. Please know we are keeping you in our prayers. He was a wonderful, gracious, and loving man who gave his all (plus). Don honored all he met and helped many of us to become better people. He challenged with respect and supported with love, always looking to find a way to help those in need . Thank you Don for being a man of change and force of love. Rest well Don. I will miss you!!!!
I will never forget your Donald Duck imitation and how proud I was seeing you in your Air Force blues. I’m going to miss you so much, Dad. Love, Teresa
Don was an amazing Man that I had the honor and privilege of working for at Senior Service. I was blessed with watching him deal with people and his take charge to make sure things got completed. Don followed through with projects so that they were professionally complete! He had a great sense of humor and outstanding writing capabilities! As a people person he has made a large impact on the Kalamazoo community in which has helped make it a better place for Seniors. Joyce I am so sorry for your loss as I know he was the foundation of your lives and the love he had for you! He will be greatly missed by this great community and all.
My deepest sympathies to Joyce and family. Don was a great advocate for seniors in Kalamazoo County and throughout the State of Michigan. I enjoyed working with Don and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Ryan family during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathies to Joyce and the Ryan family on the passing of Don. Don not only served his country for almost 30 years, but also served his community for many years. He was an asset to the advocacy for seniors for many years. Don will be sorely missed by many and the Kalamazoo community at large. All the best and comfort to Joyce. A chilli dog in his memory.
I worked with Don for the past 20 years or more on Senior related issues and he was in of the most dedicated and honorable individuals I have ever known, Joyce, my hopes and prayers go out to you and your family Steve Ellis
Thank you for being such a loving and caring Papa, You helped me raise and incredible daughter. You will be greatly missed by your girls, thanks for the goofy times when we would “get in trouble “ with Gigs then laugh and get in more trouble. We will also miss our card being “signed “ by Rascal and Rosie. I have so much to say but at a loss for words. Love Jennifer’s did Madison
Our prayers, love and thoughts are with you Joyce and family. My brother always had a huge love for others and always willing to help. The memories of all the fun times we shared will always be with us. We loved all the support and dedication he gave to our son, Kyle during his process to make Eagle Scout. We love you and will miss you Don!
Sincere condolences to you Joyce, and to the whole family. Don was certainly a character to be reckoned with! But it was always clear how much he loved his family. My thoughts are with you. Carol Riddle-Wallus
Don was an inspiration to many of us and was a person of rich integrity I consider it a privilege to call him friend.
My deepest sympathies to Joyce and family for the loss of Don. I have many fond memories of Don as we worked on many volunteer committees together. He was responsible for encouraging me to join the Senior Services Board of Directors. Don had a very wry sense of humor and was always quick with a joke. He truly was an advocate for the elderly and took his passion very seriously. I was fortunate to call him a friend. He will be missed.
It was a pleasure to serve on the senior board with Don and a pleasure getting to know you too. God bless you and your family in this difficult time.
Don —Joyce too—are among my all time favorite volunteers at Red Cross. Fun, engaging & competent. I am very interested to learn Don was born in Batavia, NY where my friend now lives (married Dick Barie, in case anyone knows that family). I know we Red Crossers who knew Don already miss him. He was the best of us; we were lucky to know him.