Edward Ryan

Edward Ryan died peacefully on October 30, 2012. He was born in Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland on July 4, 1926. He was the oldest of eight children and his parents were Henry and Margaret (Ginnane) Ryan. Mr. Ryan enlisted in the military in May, 1951 and was involved in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired from active duty as a Master Sgt. on January 31, 1978.

Mr Ryan had a master’s degree in criminal justice and was a three-time graduate of the Department of Defense Army Language School. He spoke and wrote Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean and German. At the time of his retirement, he was First Sergeant of the 529th Military Intelligence Company in Fort Hood. Mr. Ryan’s medals include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the U.N. Service Medal.

Mr. Ryan solely raised his four daughters who survive him. They are Colonel Kathleen Ryan of San Antonio, and Aileen Gillespie, Maureen Martinez and Doreen Ryan all from Houston. He was recently preceded in death by his beloved sister, Maureen Gannon, in England. He is survived by three brothers in Ireland, Patrick, Brendan and Dan Ryan, and a sister, Loretta, in England. He has two grandchildren Raymond Childress and Elizabeth Childress Moore, and he has four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home, 11701 Veteran’s Memorial Dr, Houston, TX on Friday (11/2) at 8:30 am, and the burial will follow at the Veteran’s Cemetery at 9:30 am. A life celebration lunch will follow at Marriott Westchase, 2900 Briarpark Dr in Houston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Edward Ryan’s memory to the animal shelter, Friends for Life, PO Box 70575, Houston, TX 77270-0575.