Fred Ryan, 93, passed away Thursday, September 13, 2018 in Stillwater. The son of the late Grady Ryan and Thelma Williams Ryan, Fred was born on October 15, 1924 in Yale, Oklahoma and graduated from Norfolk High School in 1942.
He was united in marriage to Tommie Lou Crowley on September 27, 1942 in Cushing. They had five children: David, Debbie, Kathleen, Scott and Anita. The couple made their first home in Houston, Texas where Fred worked in the shipyards. He joined the United States Army and served during World War II. Tommie preceded him in death on June 20, 1994. He was married to Clara Anthis Royster on October 3, 2004.
Fred was a lifelong member of the Council Valley Advent Christian Church. He loved his Savior Jesus Christ, his family and the soil he planted, worked and harvested. Many will remember Fred for his watermelons and cantaloupe. His skills and passions for hard work and strong ethics have been passed down to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed trout fishing in Colorado as well as hunting quail, deer and squirrel in the area. Fred's family was the joy of his life. He treasured the times of cooking out, eating and spending time together. Fred was the recipient of the Payne County Farm Family of the year and Payne County Conservation award, and very proud of being part of his high school state championship basketball team. Later in life Fred enjoyed going to Cushing McDonalds to eat and visit friends and family.
He is survived by his wife Clara, and his children, David Ryan and his wife Sharon of Wichita, Kansas, Debbie Franklin and her husband Gary of Yale, and Anita Elliott and her husband David of Yale; one brother Jim Ryan and his wife Phyllis of Glencoe; his grandchildren, Jamie Ryan, Becky Franklin, Anthony Franklin, Alana Cluck and her husband Kevin, Ryan Davis and his wife Sara, and Matthew Davis and his wife Brandi (children of Tim and Kathleen Davis), Emily Elliott and Joe Elliott; great grandchildren, Jacob Ryan, Jenna Ryan, Scotty Ryan, Hannah Franklin, Luke Franklin, Kaitlin Anderson, Rylee Cluck, Chase Cluck, Caleb Anderson, Bailey Cluck and Anna Davis; two step-daughters, Suzanne Crawford and Peggy Cook and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Scott Ryan; one daughter, Kathleen Davis and one grandson, Damon Ryan.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 18, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. in the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ with Pastor Steve Tiger, pastor of Council Valley Advent Christian Church, officiating.
Burial will follow in the Fairlawn Cemetery.