Ryan, Val

Val Ryan, 85, passed away Jan. 22, 2013. He was a lifelong farmer and resident of Honey Creek Township, Delaware County.

Val Ingraham Ryan was born in Anamosa, Iowa on June 22, 1927, to Floyd and Maiza (Ingraham) Ryan. He grew up working on the family farm south of Edgewood, raising cattle and crops. During his early years, Val exhibited a unique affinity and ability with horses and began his horse training career at the age of 12. He attended Honey Creek Township country schools and Edgewood public schools until the age of 17, at which time he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He received his initial Marine Corps training at Parris Island, S.C., and served during World War II in the Pacific Theater, including the islands of Chi Chi Jima, Guam, and Hawaii. Val played baseball with the U.S. Marine Corps team on Hawaii. Upon discharge from the Marines, Val returned to farming on the family farm. He married LaVonda Graham in October 1947 in Manchester. Together they farmed in Honey Creek Township until his death.

Val Ryan was instrumental in establishing the Iowa chapter of the American Quarter Horse Association and the Iowa Quarter Horse racing program. On any given weekend in the 1960s, Val, LaVonda, Mitch, Lynn and nephew, Stephen, could be found trucking race horses to any of the various Iowa fledgling race tracks at Central City, Allison, Mount Pleasant, Webster City, Allison, as well as South Sioux City, Neb., and tracks in Oklahoma, Illinois, and Missouri.

In his later years, Val enjoyed assisting his son with farmwork, working with horses, playing Euchre, and becoming computer Internet savvy. He was very proud of his military service and was a life member of both the American Legion and VFW. He was also a life member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Iowa Quarter Horse Association, and American Thoroughbred Association.

Val is survived by his spouse of 65 years, LaVonda; his son, Mitchell (Jolene), and his daughter, Lynn Ryan (Todd Tomlin), all residing on Honey Creek Township farms; his grandchildren, Marisa Ryan of Manchester, Allison (Michael) Belluomini of Omaha, and Blake Ryan of Clearwater, Fla.; his nephew, Dr. Stephen (Pamela) Thacher of Lamont; and his brother, Roy “Doc” (Hannah) Ryan of Grants, N.M. He is also survived by nephews, Randy, Jeff, Mark and Joel Ryan; as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Val was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Maiza Ryan; and his sister and brother-in-law, Vera and Floyd “Thach” Thacher.

A memorial service for Val will be announced at a later date.

Iowa Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements. www.iowacremation.com.

Published Jan. 26, 2013 in The Gazette