Roger Cleveland Ryan, 78, West Plains, Missouri, died at 9:28 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at West Vue Nursing Center.  He was born November 8, 1933, at Sherman, Texas, to Albert and Peggy Garnett Ryan.  He was married to Robina "Ruby" Gemmell, who preceded him in death on May 26, 1997.  Mr. Ryan was a veteran, having served twenty-four years in the United States Air Force.  Before his retirement, he was a correction lieutenant in the State of California.  He was a member of the Masons, was a past Master at the Palm Desert Temple and was a past post commander at the Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post in Blythe, California,  Mr. Ryan was of the Southern Baptist Faith.

He is survived by three children, Neil G. Ryan, wife, Rhonda, West Plains, Missouri, Stuart Ryan, wife, Phyllis, Blythe, California and James Ryan, wife, Debbie, Cocoa Beach, Florida; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Elbert Kelly, wife, Ann, Cocoa Beach, Florida and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, wife, one son, Roger Ryan, Jr., and two brothers, precede him in death.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date by the family in the State of California.  Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.