Dr. Gary Thomas Ryan

Dr. Gary T. Ryan, MD

October 15, 1944 – March 1, 2026

Dr. Gary T. Ryan, MD, of El Paso, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, patriotism, and quiet strength. 

Born on October 15, 1944, in Sioux City, Iowa, Dr. Gary Ryan carried his Midwestern roots with him throughout his life. He attended medical school in Iowa City, where he began the journey that would define his calling as a physician. 

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Dr. Gary Ryan enlisted on 1969, rising through the ranks to Major. During his military service, he lived in Germany and Hawaii, including time stationed at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. He wore his Veteran’s Hat everywhere he went — a simple yet constant symbol of the pride he held in serving his country. His commitment to honor, discipline, and service never left him.

 Following his Military Service, Dr. Gary Ryan established his private Obstetrics & Gynecology practice in El Paso in 1976. For 37 years, he faithfully served the women and families of the El Paso community, delivering generations of babies and standing beside families during some of life’s most sacred and vulnerable moments. In 2013, he began serving at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center until his Retirement in 2020.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Gary Ryan was deeply committed to service and brotherhood. He was an active member of The El Paso Rotary Club, living out the principle of “Service Above Self.” He was also a dedicated Mason and a proud member of The El Maida Shriners in El Paso, supporting the mission of Shriners Children’s Hospitals and helping provide specialized care to children and families throughout the region.

 But those who knew him best will remember more than his titles and service. They will remember his gentle humor, his storytelling, and the simple phrases that became family treasures. One of his favorites — a line that will forever echo in the hearts of those he loved — was, “The Carrots Grow Upside Down in March.” It was one of his special, funny expressions, a reminder not to take life too seriously and to find joy in the unexpected. It remains a cherished memory and a piece of him his family will carry always.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilma Faye Ryan & Charles Aloysius Ryan, and his sisters, Sue Ann Ryan & Connie Tweet. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria Ryan; his daughters, Kelly Snyder, Katie Trimmer, Brenda Tindall, Kimberly Wieser, and Krista Ryan; his cherished grandchildren, Amanda Snyder, Lauren Snyder, Mackenzie McGuire, Madison McGuire, Jack Trimmer, Alex Trimmer, Nicholas Trimmer, Nathan Trimmer, Nadia Ryan, Maverick Hightower, Arianna Ben-Meir, Avery Wieser, and Alexis Wieser; his sisters, Linda Dachsteiner and Sally Everett; and his loyal dog, Elfe. 

Dr. Gary Ryan will be remembered as his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched — through his service, his healing hands, his patriotism, and the family who proudly carry his name and spirit forward. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Shriners Children’s or to a Veterans Organization, causes that were close to his heart.