Donald “Don” F. Ryan, 90, of Riverton, Wyoming passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024 at the Help for Health hospice Home in Riverton with family by his side. A service to celebrate Don’s life will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 26, 2024 at the Davis Funeral Home in Riverton with military honors. All are also welcome to join the family for a reception at the Reach Clubhouse following the service. Private family inurnment will take place at the Mountain View cemetery in Riverton.
Donald Ferns Ryan was born October 12, 1933 in Rawlins, Wyoming to Ray Vale and Maude (Street) Ryan. Don graduated Rawlins High School in 1951. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the early age of 16 and served in the Korean War. Don was decorated with a Purple Heart and a Silver Star during his service and was Honorably Discharged in 1953.
On July 4, 1957, he met Barbara Ann Bateman known as “Sweet Bobbie Ann” at a rodeo in Lander, and they were married on November 23, 1957 in Rawlins. They were just three months shy of celebrating 65 years together when she passed away on August 12, 2022. To their union two daughters were born, Kelly and Mari Anne. Not long after moving to Chinook, Bobbie took Heather Dawson (Nesslar) under her wing, adding one more daughter to the family.
Don and Bobbie moved several times to various towns in Wyoming, Utah, and Montana while Don worked for the Bureau of Land Management. Don had graduated with his Bachelor’s in Agriculture where he knew all the species and scientific names of the range’s plants. His first position with the BLM was with the fire crew; he had a long enjoyable career serving as Area Manager for the BLM retiring November 4, 1988. The couple lived in Chinook, Montana for 15 years when Don worked at the BLM office in Havre. Following his retirement Don went back to college attaining in degree in Counseling from Northern Montana College. After moving to Riverton, Don worked as a counselor and with the CWC horse arena. Don finished his education with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Don and Bobbie moved to Riverton, Wyoming in 1992, where they still resided. They had lifelong friendships in all the places they lived.
Don was very instrumental in veteran groups where he was appreciated for his work in helping veterans who lived with PTSD. He was often complimented with being the glue that help the groups and clubs stay together. He was a proud member of the Riverton V.F.W. Post 3628 and the Veterans Hall. Don was also a member of the DAV and served as chairman. Don selflessly served on the military funeral honor detail of the Friday-Truan Detachment #683 Marine Corps League and Veterans. He was a proud American who served his country.
Don loved his horses, taking family trail rides involving family picnics and camp fires where memories of his singing and playing the guitar will be remembered. He also loved to work leather producing saddles, bridles, belts, wallets, and purses. He was a gifted writer always ready with his pencils to record the next adventure. He enjoyed woodworking and was a Black Belt in Karate. He loved ice cream every evening and his chocolate milk shakes.
Don is survived by daughters, Kelly Balcorta, Mari Anne Skoyen and husband, Loren; Heather Nesslar and husband, Mike; grandchildren, Tyler Stebar, Devin Stebar, Erik Inglet, Brooke and husband, Jesse Gillespie and daughter Scout, Allison Evans and husband, Kyle, niece, Buffie Holley, and many “Brothers in Arms.”
Don was looking forward to meeting extended Ryan family members at a recent celebration of the Ryan Ranch near Saratoga that just celebrated their 150-year anniversary where Don spent many summers.
He is preceded in death by his wife, “Sweet BobbieAnn;” sister, Pattie Rae; niece, Donna; and nephew, Larry.
Memorials may be made to Shriners or the Riverton VFW in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, Wyoming 82501
On-line condolences may be made at TheDavisFuneralHome.com.
Services are the under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments.