LELAND JACKSON “JACK” RYAN

JEFFERSON CITY- A private memorial service will be held for Leland Jackson “Jack” Ryan, 93, Jefferson City, who died Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at Capital Region Medical Center.

Arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jefferson City Public Schools Foundation Band Program in Memory of Kevin Ryan.

Condolences may be left online at www.freemanmortuary.com.

Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Ginny Ryan of Jefferson City and their numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Ryan; brothers, Ray, Claude, Devoy, Suler and Charles Ryan; an infant twin brother, Billy Ryan and sisters, Nora Pattison, Evolene Pattison and Shirley Webb.

Mr. Ryan was born June 20, 1930, in Lamar, to Charles Wilkerson and Fannie DeAngeles (Moore) Ryan. He graduated from Lamar High School and later earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from the University of Missouri Columbia in 1952. During his university days he crossed paths with Virginia May “Ginny” Votaw, whom he married on April 17, 1955, in St. Louis.

Mr. Ryan’s life took a patriotic turn as he proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Cold War era, flying missions globally. His roles included serving as an Assistant Air Attache at the United States Embassy in Laos and acting as a liaison officer to the Missouri Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. Retiring as a Major, he continued his academic pursuits at the University of Central Missouri, obtaining a master’s degree in agriculture and earning the title of Alumni of the Year.

Post-military service, he worked for the Missouri Department of Agriculture in international marketing and later worked for the United States Department of Agriculture and hosted foreign agribusiness counterparts. His enthusiasm for cultivating the land manifested in his gardening experiments. Mr. Ryan also utilized his gardening expertise when establishing the Heart of America Garden, using the help of volunteers to grow a bounty of vegetables to be distributed to those in need in our local community.

Apart from his professional life, he was an active member of the Friends of the Missouri State Archives and a member of the Missouri Botanical Gardens. A devoted sports fan, he could be found in the stands cheering for the Jefferson City Jays and the Mizzou Tigers football teams as a loyal season ticket holder. He and his wife shared a love for the arts, regularly attending J.C. Symphonies, symphonic band concerts, Cantorum and local theater performances. Their passion for travel and his military service took them to various European countries and all the National Parks across the United States.

Known for his sense of humor and diverse interests, his intelligence and commitment to lifelong learning left a lasting impression. His distinctive whistling became a signature element of his personality.