Donald Earl Ryan

Donald Earl Ryan Donald Earl Ryan died Tuesday October 27, 2009 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Battle Creek. He was 83. Don was born January 21, 1926 to Frank E. and Ivah B. (Hibbs) Ryan in Homer, MI. From a young age Don learned that he needed to work hard. At the age of 15 he lied about his age and went to work at Albion Malleable Iron Co. From September 1944 to August 1946 Don was in the US Army serving in France, Germany and England. On July 2, 1955 Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, his wife of 54 years, Norma Jean Green. In 1988 Don retired at age 62 from Fisher Body, Kalamazoo after working there for 22 years. Once he passed the 22 year mark of retirement, he felt like he got the golden goose, managing to pull a pension for 33 years, 11 years longer than his employment there! Don was also the ultimate handy-man and fixed everything. He was an accomplished cabinet maker and carpenter. Don built many pieces of furniture, including three roll top desks and custom cabinets for his kitchen. Don was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Richard and Melvin and a sister Dorothy. He is survived by his wife Norma, three children, Sheryle (Wally) Davis, Donald L. (Luella) Ryan, and Thomas E. Ryan; grandchildren, Thomas (Annette) Vandeburg, Crystal (Ryan) Harris, Danielle Ryan, John Davis and great grandchildren, Katelin Vandeburg, Samantha Harris, Abigail Vandeburg and Calvin Burns Davis. He is also survived by two brothers, Theron (Linda) Ryan and Gerald Ryan. Visitation will be on Friday, October 30, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of his funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at the Royal Funeral Home, Battle Creek. Burial will be in Battle Creek Memorial Garden. Memorials may be directed to the American Legion Post # 298, Springfield.