Mr. Ryan

Ryan

Howard Ernest Ryan, 90 of Rockdale passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Howard, known to many as “H.E.”, was born on Aug. 28, 1932, to the late Eulala Segler and J.T. Ryan of Chriesman.

He grew up attending school and church in Burleson County.

From a young age, H.E. farmed and raised livestock.

On Aug. 2, 1952, he married the love of his life, Joyce Maxine Poehl. Together, they raised three children and spent the early part of their marriage in Houston, where H.E. worked at Cameron Iron Works and earned Apprentice of the Year for the Greater Houston area.

He then moved his family to Rockdale where he spent 30 years at Alcoa.

At age 62, he retired and pursued his love of ranching, hunting and fishing.

H.E. built their family home and by his late 70s, had become quite the karaoke singer.

Though small in stature, he had a big heart. He was a father figure to two of his grandchildren and numerous teenage boys. A simple man with a big smile, he enjoyed his life in the country.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Maxine, of 70 years, along with their daughter Patricia and John Wilkey; grandchildren Bridget and Dustin Zanders, Megan and Ryan Wilkey, Lissa and Joshua Turner, and Frank Young; great-grandchildren Reese and Rainn Zanders, Clementine, Lee Scott, June Wilkey, Jonah, Jesse and Leah Turner; sister Betty and Don Woods; as well as several nephews, a niece, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cherl Yanez; son Maurice Ryan; grandson Jason Tilotta; sister Mary Lagrone; and brother Carrell Ryan.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29, 2023, at New Jerusalem Christian Church in Rockdale. Burial will follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Rockdale.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, P.O. Drawer 1417, Rockdale, TX 76567, 512-446-5454.