William Emmett Ryan Jr.'s Obituary
William E. Ryan Jr. of Broken Arrow was called home by the Lord on May 12, 2015. He was born October 24, 1928 in Chicago Illinois to William and Katherine Ryan. Bill was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Patricia M. Ryan. He is survived by their three children William, Margaret, and Michael and their families including ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his second wife Bobbie J. Ryan, her two sons, Bill and Michael, their spouses, and three grandchildren.Bill attended Xavier University graduating with a degree in Economics. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserve and served in the Korean War with the 45th Infantry Division. He retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel with 28 years of service. Bill worked for several accounting firms, the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, and Santa Fe Pipeline Systems in the Chicago area. In Tulsa he worked as an ad valorem tax specialist for Transok and Berendsen Fluid Power prior to retiring for a second time in 2006.Bill enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He dedicated his life to serving his family and others including: Boy Scouts of America, Civitan International, Knights of Columbus, Tulsa and Broken Arrow Police Reserve, American Red Cross, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Disabled American Veterans.Visitation will be at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, May 17, 2015 from 1:00-4:00pm with a Rosary prayer service at 3:00pm. The funeral mass will be at The Church of Saint Benedict in Broken Arrow May 18, 2015 at 9:30am. Interment will be at Fort Gibson National Cemetery.Those who wish to honor Bill may make a donation to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, Catholic Charities, the Boy Scouts of America, the Civitan International Research Foundation, or a charity of their choice in lieu of flowers.
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