Jack Lavern Ryle

Jack was a fifth generation Texan who was born in Wichita Falls on September 28, 1930, the first of four children, to Raymond Lavern and Aylene (Fisher) Ryle. He lived in many interesting places by age 10, including Eagle Pass, Hidalgo, New York City (Long Island and Queens) and back to Roma, Texas by 1940.

Jack graduated from North Dallas High School and attended Tarleton State Teachers College, where he met his wife, Kathryn. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1950, proudly serving two tours of duty in the Korean War where he fought in the historic Battle of Chosin Reservoir. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star for his valor.

After leaving the Marine Corps in 1954, he and his family moved to McAllen Texas where he joined the McAllen Police Department and Kathryn taught home economics at Mission High School. After rising to the rank of Lieutenant, Jack moved to the Abilene Police Department in 1959 to be closer to his in-laws. While in Abilene, and working two jobs, he completed a BA in History at Hardin Simmons University and began teaching. In 1969, he accepted a position in Austin with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. Continuing his lifelong commitment to law enforcement, he was instrumental in developing and serving as the first Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Management Institute at Sam Houston State University, the same university where his grandfather graduated as part of the first graduating class in the late 19th century.

Jack completed his career as the Executive Director of the Texas Police Association.

The oldest son in his family, Jack made his mom and dad proud and earned his In-laws’ respect and love. Jack was an exceptional father, encouraging his wife Kathryn’s dreams of getting MA and Law degree and raising their five children. He cared deeply for his daughter Deborah, balancing his admiration for her independence with the typical worries of a father. As a Scout Master for his sons' Boy Scouts Troops, he led countless camping trips, spending weekends patiently helping each earn merit badges learning the meaning of duty and responsibility to others. And every summer, drove the family to northern California to see his parents, always sure to stop first at the kids' favorite pancake spot. He especially loved dressing in a Santa Claus costume for his grandchildren and grilling BBQ chicken for large family dinners. He loved vacationing with his children and grandchildren at the beach. Most importantly and all along the way, Jack was a wonderful role model for his family, a man of integrity and strong work ethic.

Later in life, he enjoyed woodworking, making a family heirloom cradle and many toys for the grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling to Germany to visit his son, Doug, and to Argentina, France, the UK, Scotland, and many trips to Big Sur and San Francisco.

A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Jack lived every single day of his life grateful for all that life brought him and humbly proud of all he brought to this world. A man of few words, he will be remembered for the example he set for all of us, his humility, his integrity, his dry wit and his unwavering devotion to family.

Jack is survived by his wife of more than 70 years, Kathryn Ryle, their four living children, Deborah Ryle, and husband Dan, Richard Ryle and wife Lori, Tim Ryle, and Mark Ryle and husband Steve, and daughter- in-law Christina Ryle. Jack and Kathy’s oldest son, Doug Ryle, passed away suddenly in May 2019. And his sweet dog Begonia passed away just last year. Jack was a beloved grandfather to 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Elisa Boardman and brother-in-law Carvel and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, July 8th at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Texas Police Association, honoring Jacks' lifelong commitment to serving his community.