Edward Henry Ryer, 89, of Canton, Texas, passed away in his home on Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Ed, born Dec 13, 1929 in Rylie, Texas to Richard Ryer, Sr. and Augustus (Gussie) Kolaczkowski Ryer. Ed was a resident of Canton since 1965 when he moved his family from Dallas to begin a life on the farm raising cattle and growing vegetables to sell on the Farmers Market in Dallas. Ed also served as a full-time Dallas fireman, driving the engine for Station 34. Ed was a loving husband and father.
Ed is survived by his wife, Betty of 69 years, daughters Debbie Ryer of Canton, Cindy Mankin and husband Mark of Burleson, Texas and son, Michael Ryer and wife Dana of Commerce, Texas; a special son, Edgar Jimenez and wife, Miranda. He loved his grandchildren Alex Mankin and wife Jennifer, Lauren Bond and husband Justin, Brett Mankin, Spencer Mankin and wife Jessica, Kristen Duke, Torrie Duke, Ashlie Kraus and husband Lloyd and Austin Ryer and wife Makenzie. He has 8 great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ryer, Joy, Anne, Grace, Will, Lucas and Deckard, who is on the way. He has one sister Shirley Wells and husband James of Dallas.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, 8 brothers, 2 sisters, and one grandchild, Kassie Duke.
Ed began his career as a Dallas fireman in March of 1960. He worked there until 1980 when he was forced to retire early due to injuries sustained in a fire-related automobile accident near Station 34 in Pleasant Grove. In his spare time, Ed loved the farm life raising vegetables to sell in the Farmers Market and giving them to the neighbors and church members of First Baptist Church in Canton. At one time his produce garden encompassed over 5 acres of the farm. He was known for his sweet tomatoes, squash, greens and lettuce. He always welcomed anyone to come and pick for themselves. Along with the vegetable garden, he raised cattle, loved to hunt, and fish. Ed and Betty were known throughout Canton for their hospitality as they opened up their home to multitudes of children and youth to swimming parties, fellowships and weekday swimming lessons. Ed was a sponsor to many mission trips and youth camps every summer through Canton’s First Baptist Church and Baptist Student Unions around East Texas. Ed and Betty also opened their home to over 70+ foster children through the Buckner Children’s home system, giving a new start to children under 6 years old in abused situations.
Most importantly, Ed was a believer in Jesus Christ, having accepted Him as his Lord and Savior and baptized on July 13, 1947 at Oak Grove Baptist Church where his family attended. He joined Canton’s First Baptist Church in the summer of 1966, later becoming a Deacon, Sunday School leader and Usher/Greeter until his illness kept him at home.
There will be a meet and greet visitation with the family on Friday, November 8, from 6-8 pm at Eubanks Funeral Home in Canton, and a Graveside Funeral Service at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens Saturday, November 9 at 2:00 pm, officiated by his son Michael Ryer, The Dallas Fire Department Retired Officers, and the Patriot Guard. All are welcome to share with the family in this memory of a life well lived.
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