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BORN
1985
DIED
2016
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Ryan Phelps Obituary
Ryan Patrick Phelps, 30 years young, departed this life on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 due to a heroin overdose. The light of an intelligent and inquisitive spirit was extinguished from us by a senseless drug.
Ryan was born in Akron, Ohio on July 26, 1985 to parents Donald and Kathryn Phelps. He was a graduate of East High school and Fortis College with a degree in computer science. He enjoyed building and repairing cars with his father, and had a passion for sports and video gaming. He could debate any topic tirelessly from a mind that was filled with information he read. He also enjoyed going to movies and spending time with his "buddy", Nathaniel. He left his mark on this world, but he wasn't finished. So many things were left unsaid.
Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Ruth Farson, Frank and Mary Jones, Donald Phelps Sr.; and uncles, Marshall Phelps and Richard Farson. He is survived by his loving parents, Donald and Kathryn; his sisters, Lesley (Marc) Burgess and Robyn Phelps; his nephews, Nathaniel and Noah; and a niece, Lacey, all whom he adored. He also leaves to mourn many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly.
A memorial service will be held Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at 1 p.m. at Goodyear Heights United Methodist Church, 1690 Hillside Terrace in Akron, Ohio. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service.
May you go in peace, Ryan. You are now with your Heavenly Father and your tired and relentless struggle is over. You were a wonderful soul who fought a hard battle. We know that your life wasn't defined by a drug. We will always love you!
Please, if you're struggling with any addiction, remember there is help available to you. Your family loves you and people want to help you. You can beat this. Don't make your family bury you and feel they didn't do enough. This could be you! Love yourself, love your family. These resources might be helpful: www.vivitrol.com or Project Dawn for free Naloxone.
To leave a special message for the family, visit www.NewcomerAkron.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Phelps
Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.
E Abraham
April 12, 2018
After reading this just wanted to say may peace find you.
Melissa Awalt
December 20, 2016
It is very difficult during this time of the year for many people who have loved ones that have passed. I knew Ryan (through school) and Robyn (through school and our softball days). I hope your family can find some kind of peace and happiness during this holiday season.
December 20, 2016
Thank you for sharing Ryans story. I know it was a tough decision, but it Will make a difference in Our fight.
♡
February 23, 2016
Hi This is Nate Ryan's Nephew thanks for all the support it means a lot.
February 19, 2016
To family and friends of Ryan,
Your love for him came through like a beacon of light, with your words alone. You have touched my soul. God bless Ryan's loved ones and I am praying all hearts heal from his passing.
A mother who understands
Allisa Hembury
February 19, 2016
Dear Phelps Family,
My deepest sympathies to you all. I was heartbroken to have heard of your loss.
Sue Lucas
February 18, 2016
Although we have never met each other, please know your family and your son, Ryan are in my thoughts and prayers. The heartfelt obituary was a tribute to his life and a sign of the love you obviously had for him. Your bravery and courage in sharing the tragic details of his death are certain to touch other people's live.
Nelda Gardner
February 18, 2016
May God continue to bless your family during this sorrowful time.
February 17, 2016
My son sent me a copy of your son's obituary yesterday via a text message. Your son was one of three people that my son knows that died just last week from a heroin overdose. My son himself is an heroin addict and he had met your son during one of his times at rehab. I can't imagine your pain right now and how you have suffered along with your son during his addiction. My son has been struggling for 4 years now and cannot seem to stop relapsing but I am thankful he continues to try and stay clean. I appreciate your honesty in his obituary because most people are not willing to let others know the truth.
Sherry Sarvis
February 15, 2016
Kathy, Donnie, Lesley, Robyn and families:
So glad you shared Ryan's story with the world. Surely good will come of it. And as Pastor Sam said: "We are here to help each other". I am here for you.
Love you all
Robin&Ed Keller
February 15, 2016
Don and family, May you know through this difficult time in your life right now,you are in our thoughts and we will be praying for all of you.
May peace fill your hearts where there is brokeness. The struggle is real & so is the peace. You are wonderful parents for loving unconditionally.
Chris Wallace
February 15, 2016
February 15, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family. Thanks for sharing, it will help others dealing with this same issue.
Dianne
Becky
February 15, 2016
Thank you for sharing Ryan's story. God bless you and your family
Don and Kathy Brown
February 15, 2016
We are so very sorry for your loss. The pain all of you are going through is unimaginable. Know that we love you all, and will continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
John Grigas
February 15, 2016
My thoughts and especially my prayers are with you and your family.
Jerry Masters
February 15, 2016
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your son ryan.
Gary and Pam Collinson
February 15, 2016
Don, Kathy, Lesley, Robyn and all of the family, We were so very shocked and saddened to hear this news today. Our hearts are breaking for all of you as you go through this very difficult time. We are praying for strength and peace for you.
February 14, 2016
May god bless your family in this time of sorrow. You are in our prayers.
With Heartfelt Sympathy.
Rich and Tammy Crewes
Deborah
February 14, 2016
Beautifully written and bravely shared.
Thank you. Bless you at this time of loss and may this madness end soon.
February 14, 2016
My Prayers are with your family. Thank you for being brave enough to share this message. May Ryan find peace and happiness in heaven.
Melanie
February 14, 2016
God Bless your family!
February 14, 2016
I'm so impressed by the truth shared. May god fill your hearts in this time of loss.
February 14, 2016
To the Phelps Family,
I do not know you, but I do know how bad it hurts. Thank you for being brave.
Laura ~ Uniontown, OH
Robin Rennie
February 14, 2016
I didn't know your son but his obituary caught my eye due to the nature of his death and your honesty. I can appreciate your pain as my brother died in May from a fentanyl overdose. It's senseless and this may sound crazy but it seems that when people find out how he died they some how are not sorry for your loss. Regardless of how or why the family is still left to grieve, he wasn't a drug addict or a loser he was my brother, my parents' son and my niece and nephews dad. Anyway, I just appreciate your candor and maybe of more people approached the obituary in the same way as your family did, maybe people would realize what a problem this is. This was my brother's own prescription, he didn't need to go to a dealer to get it, his doctor freely prescribed it unfortunately. I'm very sorry for your loss, I wish I could say it got better, but as of yet I'm still looking for peace.
February 14, 2016
My sincere condolences to the entire family. May the Lord comfort you all during this time of bereavement.
Sincerely,
Nichol Virden
February 14, 2016
I was simply reading through the lives of these lovely people listed in today's paper and I wanted to thank you for your courage in bringing this devastating epidemic to light through this most amazing young man's story. Beautifully written. Heaven received an angel when they received Ryan. He will help others from above. May the Lord be with you and your family during this difficult time.
February 14, 2016
Love you Ryan ,Nina,Gauge
Myelica Phelps
February 14, 2016
Miss You an Love you rest in peace
February 14, 2016
To the Phelps family, I am so sorry for your loss. I do not know you, but your son's obituary is beautiful. He sounded like an amazing man, because of all of you. Unfortunately, a drug as powerful as heroin has more control than we know. Hopefully if even one person can read this and get help, your unselfishness for sharing this saved one person. God bless you all.
Anonymous
The Staff of Newcomer Funeral Home
February 14, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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