Daniel W. Ryan, 73, passed away on November 20, 2018. Dan was a youthful spirit who brought laughter to those who knew him. He was a trustworthy friend to many in his community, eager to lend a hand to help those around him. His quick sense of humor and adventurous spirit led to much laughter and many wonderful stories with family and friends. His generosity and kindness were appreciated by so many friends, family, and neighbors.
Born in Dixon, Illinois, Dan was the sixth of twelve children who grew up on a large farm. He left Illinois to receive his degree from the University of Dallas in Texas. He married Kathryn Ann Sutherland on August 16, 1969. He served in the Air Force on Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois from 1969 to 1973. He raised his five children in Noblesville, Indiana, before moving to Kyle, Texas in 1999.
In Kyle, he was heavily involved in the local community and served on the committee to write the charter to the city of Kyle as well as serving several terms on the Planning and Zoning Commission. His true love was spending time outdoors working on his ranch, clearing and restoring the land. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren out on his tractor and letting them take turns driving.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude Ryan; his brothers James, John and Pat Ryan; his sisters Margaret Ryan and Kate Zinn and niece Bridget Zinn.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; his children Courtney Kaplan (Jonathan Kaplan), Erin Ryan, Thomas Ryan, Colleen Domingo (Andrew Domingo) and Jack Ryan (Adrienne Mountfield). He was blessed by a talented granddaughter, Cecilia Jane Domingo and six wonderful grandsons: Finn O’Hanlon, Harmon O’Hanlon, Vaughn O’Hanlon, Ari Domingo, Aiden Kaplan, and William Carter Kaplan.
He is also survived by his siblings Mary McGinn (Doug), Jane Zuniga (Manuel), Kathy Ryan (Norman Denizen), Thomas Ryan (Karen), Joe Ryan (Mania), and Richard Ryan as well as his sister-in-laws Ginger Ryan and Janet Ryan and brother-in-law Dick Zinn and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Dan will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 1:30 PM at Harrell Funeral Home, FM2770 and Kohlers Crossing, 1715 Kirby; Kyle, TX 78640. (512)-268-8200.
Our family thanks everyone for their love and support and the sharing of joyous memories. Dan’s sense of fun and positivity was reflected in his love of bright colors, root beer floats, and chocolate ice cream. Since Dan wasn’t a fan of black clothing, we’ll be wearing bright colors to celebrate his life and invite you to join us.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heifer.org.
