Vernon John Joseph Ryan

Vernon John Joseph Ryan, 84, born in Detroit, Michigan, lived in Benbrook, Texas, for 2 years and previously lived 65 years in Whittier, California.  Vernon was born in Detroit on March 6, 1939, to Magdalen Berger Ryan.  He passed away on March 10,  2023, at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in the Supportive and Palliative Care Unit in Fort Worth, Texas after a 9 month battle with throat and lung cancer.  Before his passing the family was at his bedside and celebrated his birthday with party hats and cupcakes supplied by his granddaughter, Jace Derickson.  He was a loving and generous father and grandfather.  Vernon faced the radiation treatments with courage.  He was quick with his witty, funny sayings which made his family, friends and acquaintances laugh.  It was his way of showing his love and care for others.

Vernon proudly served his country by enlisting in the US Navy.  He worked for the California Department of Transportation, Division of Highways for 40 years as a Senior Delineator Draftsman.  He retired in 2005.

Vernon enjoyed watching western movies and his favorite was “Shane”.  Vernon loved to have the family visit. He would share history stories.  His favorite was King Henry VIII and the kings of England.  His very, very favorite thing to do was thrift store shopping two or three stores a day.  Our family and friends have benefitted from silver trays and dishes, picture frames, oil paintings, China dishes, pewter, furniture, chairs and lamps that he would give away but not all of them.  He also liked his grandsons to straighten and clean the garage, and have garage sales because he liked to visit with the neighbors and buyers.

Vernon is survived by his wife Pamela Yvette Ryan of 63 years of marriage, four daughters, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren.  The four daughters are Debby Ann Ledgerwood, Briana Maris Ryan, Mary Jane Ryan, and Kimberly Sue Casino.  The grandchildren are Danae and husband, Luke Dougherty, Christopher Ledgerwood, Jace and husband, Hunter Derickson, Justin Beam, Jordan and wife, Paola Bearn, Jeremiah and wife, Breana Beam, Joshua and wife, Amanda Beam.  The great grandchildren are Winter Beam, Luke Doughery, Jr., Callie Ryan Derickson, and in the womb, London Derickson.