John W. Ryan

Lt. Commander John W. Ryan, an active resident at The Forum Retirement Community, suddenly became ill and passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 13, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in Dallas, Texas to Rose White and Ben J. Ryan on November 30, 1923.

After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1942, he enlisted into the United States Navy. He served two terms as a fighter pilot, flying off aircraft carriers in the Pacific during WWII. With over 300 carrier landings, he received many medals, the highest of these being two Distiguished Flying Crosses. He was "in flight" with his fighter squadron over the USS Missouri, during the surrender of Japan in 1945. After the war, he continued to serve his country by becoming a test pilot for the government, piloting the very first prototype "Cutlass" jets, and in another bold example, set the speed record in his jet for a plane flying from Chicago to New York. John was also asked to help organize the recycling of all types of WWII planes, and prepare them for the Korean conflict.

Following his 12 years of service, he separated from the Navy in 1954 to begin his professional career as owner of Ryan Buick Dealership in Kingsville, Texas. Later in his career, as a Real Estate Developer, he successfully developed, built, and managed many commercial properties in Kingsville, and owned other businesses. John helped improve the community of Kingsville for over 35 years, with great vision, leadership, and enterpreneutial spirit, including serving as President of the Chamber of Commerce.

John's commitment to his community and his family of six children left him little time for leisure activity. He was passionate about flying and continued to fly until he sold his last airplane at 80 years of age. Enthusiastic about sports, especially the Dallas Cowboys, he enjoyed bird hunting in South Texas, golf, the horse races in Ruidoso, and loved watching the Indy 500 and the San Antonio Spurs on television.

From his experience in the Navy, he often said, "The Navy did an excellent job to prepare me for battle and victory." The intense training, incredible responsibility, and success he experienced as a young person carried him through life. Cut from the mold of the "Greatest Generation," he taught his family to be prepared for any bumps in the road and encouraged them to strive for success. John was very proud of his family in his own way. He was loved, admired, and respected by both his family and friends.

Ironically, John passed away on the anniversary of the founding of the US Navy. He wouldn't want it any other way. A shipmate who has answered the final call. He is relieved of the watch. His tour is over. God rest his soul.

John is survived by his former wife, Lorell McCann Ryan of San Antonio, Texas, his son Gary and wife Onie of Houston, Texas, son Gregg and wife Bobbie of Kingsville, Texas, son Glenn of Houston, Texas, daughter Gayle Embrey and husband Walter of San Antonio, Texas, daughter Glenda Jacoby of San Antonio, Texas, son Gil and wife Jeri of Oakland, Tennessee, Grandchildren, Cheryl Keyworth, Lori Williams, April Restrepo, Heath Ryan, Jason Ryan, Ryan Erskine, Houston Erskine, Glenn Alan Erskine, Jaclyn Jacoby, Dalton Ryan and McCann Ryan, Great-Grandchildren, Leah, Sara, Casey, Jessica, Corine, Christian, Hannah, Nicholas, William, and Monroe. In addition to, niece Jeri Troy, nephew Bill Hagemann and niece Martha Ann Minton. Referred to as "Buddy" as a kid, he was preceded in death by his loving parents, two sisters Virginia and Anne, their spouses and last, but certainly not least, his beloved dog and companion, "Prop," who he loved uncondiontionally.

Visitation will be held at Porter Loring Funeral Home at 1101 McCullough on Tuesday, October 24th, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Porter Loring Funeral Home's chapel on Wednesday, October 25th at 9:30 a.m. followed by graveside service with full honors at Fort Sam Houston Military Cemetery.

Friends are invited to join the family at a reception at La Fonda on Main at 12:00 in celebration of John's life.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dora Ramirez for her gentle care and compassion assisting their father this past year. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in his honor to Wounded Warriors, The Humane Society, or a charity of your choice.