ANTHONY — Darrell Lee Ryan was born Sept. 16, 1935, in Anthony, Kan., son of Clifford (Kip) Joseph Ryan and Margaret Ludine (George) Ryan. Darrell went to be with his Lord Sunday March 17, 2019 in the Anthony Hospital at the age of 83.
Darrell lived all of his life in the Anthony, Waldron, and Manchester communities. Darrell spent his early childhood on the farm doing farm kid stuff like learning to swim in the creek (even though his mom told him not to) and hunting squirrels and other critters with the .22 rifle his Uncle Walt gave him. Darrell completed grade school in a one room schoolhouse in Waldron, Kan. and spent his high school years in Manchester. Darrell was a good student and was a letterman in basketball, baseball, and track. Darrell reported that he never missed a free throw in his high school basketball career. Darrell’s sons questioned this claim but the matter was put to rest when Darrell’s sister, Karen Ryan Pyles, verified the perfect free throw record.
Darrell, upon graduating high school in 1953, joined the United States Navy with his good friend Glen (Skeet) Niethamer on the buddy system. After basic training, the two buddies best laid plan of staying together was interrupted by the U.S. Navy sending Darrell to the Atlantic and Skeet to the Pacific. Although disappointed, the two served their country proudly for four years and were both honorably discharged.
Darrell married Karen Louise Hoyt on Oct. 23, 1961 in Anthony, Kan. Darrell and Karen were blessed with two sons Darren and Chris. Darrell and Karen spent 57 and a half happy years together and were positive role models for so many in the community.
Darrell started as a sales associate at Mueller Brothers Clothing store in 1960 and later purchased the store in 1981. Darrell successfully operated Mueller Brothers with his wife Karen until retirement in 2009. Darrell was a familiar and trusted face on Anthony’s main street for 49 years. Darrell kept up appearances for breaks at Irwin and Potters Drug store twice a day even after retirement. Many subjects were broached and many world problems were solved over coffee and tea. Some of Darrell’s favorite things to discuss with his friends were details about his greyhounds, KU basketball, and he always found time to witness. Darrell and Karen were active Members of the Anthony Chamber of Commerce and Darrell also served a term as President.
Darrell is a member of the Anthony Christian Church and served as both Deacon and Elder. He was proud to serve on the board for The Anthony Christian Church Pre-School. Darrell was called on to perform many tasks in the church, which he did devotedly, but it was his genuine pleasure to witness Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior that he held most dear. Darrell would tell you one of his most beloved moments in the Lord came when his granddaughter Peighton Ryan asked him to baptize her.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Clifford J. Ryan and Margaret L. Ryan of Anthony. Darrell will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Karen Ryan; sister, Karen Pyles; and niece, Tammy Hoopes, all of Anthony; sons, Darren Ryan of Enid and Chris Ryan and daughter-in-law, Melanie Ryan of Great Bend; grandchildren Peighton Ryan of Larned; Samuel Ryan of Great Bend; Alaycia and David Luebcke of Marysville; and many loving relatives and friends.
Darrell will be remembered by family and friends as a devoted husband and father, a man of integrity that lived his Christian faith and witnessed with boldness.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2019 at the Christian Church in Anthony, Kan. Military interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery, Anthony. Visitation will be held 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Anthony, Kan. Memorials in memory of Darrell may be made to the Anthony Christian Church (for the education funds), and may be sent in care of the funeral home. Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements. www.prairierosefuneralhomes.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Prairie Rose Funeral Homes
602 E. Main St.
Anthony, KS 67003
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, March 19, 2019
