Kevin Thomas Ryan USAF Ltc Jr. Ret.

He was born September 23, 1930 in Baltimore, MD to Kevin Sr. and Evelyn Ryan, who preceded him in death.

Kevin graduated from Greenbelt High School in Maryland in 1948. After receiving his Bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, he began his military career when he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Air Force in 1954. He later earned a Master's degree from East Carolina University in Political Science.

In 1955, he married his wife of 49 years, Welta Wilks, a medical technologist, and completed navigation school in Texas.

While stationed at England AFB in Louisiana, he served as a navigator on a variety of multi-engine transport planes for the Military Air Transport Service MATS, including C- 119's and C-124's.

In 1957, he realized his long time dream of becoming a pilot by completing basic and advanced flight school and special training in large transport aircraft at several locations in Texas.

From 1958 to 1977, as a Pilot, Command Pilot, and later as Air Operations Officer, he served in a variety of locations in the U.S. and overseas, including Palm Beach, FL; Dover, DE where his daughter Colleen was born in 1959, Japan, Greenville NC, Taiwan, Laos, Vietnam and Hawaii. During this period, he flew airlift missions and coordinated support operations in locations on all seven continents and throughout the world.

For 18 months, he commanded C-130 flights on combat and combat support missions in Laos, Vietnam and throughout Southeast Asia, often in high-risk situations, including paratroop drops and night resupply missions under enemy fire.

In addition to his skills as a pilot, the Air Force valued him as a gifted military administrator and instructor. In this capacity, he held a series of progressively responsible posts in his career, ranging from Squadron Adjutant, to Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies in the ROTC Program at East Carolina University in NC, to Senior Plans and Programs Officer. In 1977, after 24 years of dedicated service to the Air Force and to his country, he retired from his final assignment as Wing Chief, Operations/Plans Division of the 15th Air Base Wing Group at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Among his many military awards are the Air Medal with Oak Leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf clusters.

After his retirement from the Air Force, he and his family relocated to Bulverde in the San Antonio area where he joined Datapoint later the Intellogic Trace Corporation as their Director of Administrative and Office Services.

In 1985, he established the firm of Engrave-Tech, a successful specialty service computer engraving company, which he owned and operated until its sale in 2003.

He was also active in community affairs and charitable activities for many years, in particular with the Bulverde Lions Club.

Kevin was a loving husband, a devoted father, an honorable officer in the service of his country, a respected businessman, a good neighbor and responsible citizen of his community, and a dear friend to all who knew him well. He will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Welta; his daughter, Colleen; and his two brothers, Patrick and Timothy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Lions League for Crippled Children, P.O. Box 29247, Corville, TX 78029-0247.