Everett (Gene) Ryan

Everett (Gene) Ryan of Villa Grove, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Gene was born on December 3, 1936, in Indianola, IL, the son of Lois and Leon Ryan. He married Barbara Cunningham on September 9, 1956, in Paris, IL.

He was a letterman in basketball and track at Chrisman High School, graduating in May 1955. He won the Chrisman Lion's Club Boys State Award for basketball in 1954, and was employed by the Inland Daily Press, being named "Outstanding Newspaper Boy" in 1948.

He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corp, being stationed at Naval Air Station, Marine Fighter Squadron at Atsugi, Japan, followed by the Marine Base at Quantico, Virginia. He was honorably discharged in April 1959, holding the rank of Corporal (E-4).

Upon return to Illinois, he was employed as a manager at Grab-It-Here Grocery, as well as a welder at Humko in Champaign and Cabot in Tuscola. Following his retirement, he endeavored on a new career as an Emergency Medical Technician with Arrow Ambulance in Villa Grove. Following 20+ years in that career, he retired on January 1, 2008, to spend more time in his woodworking hobby.

He previously served as the Secretary of the Springfield Board of the Illinois EMT Association, was a member of the Moose Lodge as well as the National EMT Association. He was a member of the Camargo United Methodist Church.

Gene is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara, of Villa Grove; two sisters - Priscilla Hunt and Betty Porter both of Chrisman; four children - Cindy Slead (Jeff) of Sherman, IL; Eric Ryan (Pam); Kimberly Akers (Mike) of Villa Grove, IL; and Julianne Ryan-Ice (Gordon) of Lacey, WA; five grandchildren - Kyle Slead (Kristen) of Mooresville, NC; Amanda McKeeman (Brent) of Manhattan, KS; Stephen Akers (Sabrina) and Daniel Akers, both of Villa Grove; and Matthew Ryan; as well as five great-grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and several brothers and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Joines Funeral Home, 1375 IL-130, Villa Grove. Services will be held at Joines Funeral Home on Friday, September 12, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by graveside services. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church of Camargo, IL.

Casual dress is requested - suit and ties not necessary - Gene would have wanted it that way!

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