Donald Ryan

On Friday December 7, Donald Edward Ryan formerly of Kalamazoo Michigan residing in Sebring, Florida passed away at the age of 96. Donald was born in Kalamazoo Michigan on January 16, 1922 to Martin and Genevieve (Maloy) Ryan. He graduated from Mattawan High School and enlisted in the Army Air Force. After training he was assigned tail gunner on a B-29. During a night attack the plane was hit and he and the crew parachuted out over Tokyo. He was captured by the Japanese where he endured horrific conditions for four months. When WWII ended he was rescued and sent to several Army hospitals for a lengthy recovery. For his bravery he was awarded the Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with four Bronze Battle Stars, Three Overseas Bars, One Service Stripe, a Purple Heart Medal and an Air Medal with first Oak Leaf Cluster. After the war Donald met Dorothy (James) Ryan and they married. Together they had five loving children. Karen, Nancy, Patrick, Connie and Edward. He is survived by his children, three grandchildren, three great grandchildren, a niece, nephews, several cousins and many dear friends. Donald was preceded in death by his father Martin, his mother Genevieve, the mother of his children Dorothy, his two sisters Patricia and Katrine as well as his brother James. Donald spent several years as a long haul truck driver. Later he and his brother James formed the Ryan Truck Rental and Leasing Company. After the trucking company he was an entrepreneur again buying the Otsego Inn, a very successful business until he retired. There will be an interment at Arlington National Cemetery in the spring. Funeral arrangements are pending.