Robert "Bob" Hinkle Ryan

Robert (“Bob”) Hinkle Ryan, Brig. Gen. U.S. Army, Ret., 87, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born November 9, 1937, in Beatrice, Nebraska, Bob led a life defined by service, leadership, and a deep devotion to country and family. In his youth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an early sign of the commitment and integrity that shaped his life.

A distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1959, Bob served with honor in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His military career spanned three decades and took him around the world with assignments in Okinawa, Japan; Thailand; Vietnam, and South Korea, as well as domestic posts in Ft. Belvoir, VA, Leavenworth, KS, Washington, D.C., Mobile, AL, Honolulu, HI, and Omaha, NE. Bob retired from the U.S. Army in 1989.

Following his military service, Bob and his family moved to Austin as Bob assumed the directorship of Morrison Knudsen Corporation’s effort, in partnership with the French TGV railcar operator, to design and construct a high-speed rail system connecting Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. The financial and political climate of the early 1990s would not support the execution of the project, which closed in October 1994.

Bob then served for more than a decade as an Associate Director of the Construction Industry Institute, a research arm of the University of Texas, focused on improving the planning, design, and safety of industrial construction projects. Bob fully retired in 2007.

Above all, Bob cherished time with his family. He found joy in family and West Point Class of ‘59 ski trips, international travel, and tending the gardens he lovingly cultivated with his wife, Sondra. Bob was a dedicated supporter of his grandchildren’s athletic teams in Leawood, KS and Austin, TX. He was a devoted member of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and drew great strength from his faith community. Bob served the church in many leadership roles – though none more important than his faithful service as the self-appointed First Asst. to the Jr. Choir Director, where he captured the live performances of Sondra’s choirs with his trusty cassette tape recorder.

Bob was preceded in death by his late wife Carolyn G. Johnson, who died in 1964, shortly after their son Stephen was born. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Sondra McIntosh Ryan of Austin; his children, Stephen Ryan (Ann) (Leawood, KS) and Rebecca Swift (Whit) (Austin, TX); and his adored grandchildren, Noah Ryan (Dallas), Cecilia Ryan (Austin), Sadie Swift (Austin) and Emmy Swift (Austin).

A memorial service will be held on May 30, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made either to the Parkinson’s Foundation or The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, in Bob’s honor.

Bob’s enduring love for his country and his family were the guiding stars of his remarkable life. He is deeply missed and will be forever remembered.