Stephen Collister Ryan, 83, of Salina, passed away Monday, February 24, 2025. The eldest of four boys, he was born to the late Kenneth Richard and Janys Collister Ryan on January 10, 1942, in St. John's Hospital, Salina. He was an active lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church. Steve married Lynne Kathryn Slease on June 18, 1966, in the East Heights United Methodist Church, Wichita, Kansas.
A member of the Class of 1960, Salina High School, he earned six athletic letters in football, basketball and track. He was the right tackle on the Mustangs first undefeated football team in 1959.
Steve attended the University of Kansas and received a BS degree in Business Administration in 1964 and a Certificate of Graduation from the Mortuary Science Program at the KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS in 1965. He was a cadet member of the Air Force ROTC program (The Flying Jayhawks). He was also a member of the Arnold Air Society, Alpha Kappa Psi and the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.
He received his Air Force officer's commission upon completion of the Summer Training Unit at Schilling AFB, in Salina, KS, on July 10th, 1964. Ryan served as Wing Administrative Officer, 351st Strategic Missile Wing (SAC), Whiteman AFB, Mo, (1965-67) and Chief Administrative Services, 6932nd Security Group (USAFSS), Samsun Air Station, Samsun, the Republic of Turkey (1967-69). He attained the rank of Captain and completed his tour of active duty in January 1969.
A third generation licensed funeral director, he followed his Grandfather (Guy R, Sr.) and Father (Kenneth R,) in serving as the President and CEO for 42 years (1980-2021) of the family owned business. He was a founding board member of Ryan Mortuary, Inc. in 1969 and established the Memorial Trust Plan, Inc. in 1984. Working alongside his father, his son (Scott R,), three brothers, (Marc R., Karl F., and Eric K.), a sister-in-law (Martha A.), an uncle, (Guy R., Jr.), a cousin (Jerry J.), and two nephews (Luke L. and Sean O.) Steve provided guidance for over sixty years and transitioned to a role as senior advisor in 2021.
Steve was a lifetime member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He served as president or vice president of the Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts from 1996-2005. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Selected Independent Funeral Homes from 1992 to 1997, which allowed him to travel and study some of the leading firms in funeral service. He was honored to be chosen as the board’s president in 1996.
Steve was a 50-year member of Salina Masonic Lodge #60; a Life member of the Salina Scottish Rite Consistory, 33rd Degree Honorary; a 50-year member of Isis Temple Shrine; former member of the Isis Patrol (Patrol Captain 1971-76); and Salina Court #94, Royal Order of Jesters.
An involved citizen, Steve felt honored to hold many leadership roles in the community. He served on the board of directors of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce for 10 years. In 2021 he was inducted into the Chamber's Salina Business Hall of Fame. He was elected to two consecutive four-year terms on the Salina City Commission. Steve was proud to serve as Salina’s mayor in 1987-1988 and 1991-1992.
He was grateful to serve on the following committees: Salina Downtown Lions Club, 1969-2021, 50 year member, President 1979-80; Salina Planning Commission, 1981-85, Chairman 1983-84: Kansas Wesleyan University, Board of Trustees, 1998-2007, Chairman, 2004-06; Greater Salina Community Foundation, Board of Directors, 2002-10, Chairman 2006-07; Salina Airport Authority Board of Directors, 2003-11, Chairman 2007-08; Salina Regional Health Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2003-11, Chairman, 2007-09; Salina Arts and Humanities Foundation, Board of Directors, 2009-18, Chairman, 2015-17.
He had a long-lasting, over 70 years, membership with the Salina Family YMCA, serving ten years, 1975-85, on the Board of Directors; and two years, 1981-83, as Board President. He was a founding incorporator of the YMCA Endowment Fund, on which he served for 36 years as an officer; and 16 years, 2001-17 as President of the Endowment Board of Directors.
An avid recreational golfer, Steve was a strong advocate of the First Tee of Salina. He was a member of this golf program Board of Directors for 14 years (2001- 2014). Steve was an active member of the Salina Gridiron Club, 1996-2018 and a longtime member of the Salina Country Club, where he served on the board of directors from 1998-2002, and as club president from 2001-2002.
Steve was a Life Member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association and member of the Williams Educational Fund. He was a loyal season ticketholder of both Jayhawk football and basketball programs for over 40 years. Rock Chalk!
Steve was also a Life member of both the Salina Elks Lodge and the Salina American Legion Post #62. The Friday Night Social Group is gratefully acknowledged. Adjustments were appreciated whenever possible.
Along with his enthusiasm for golf and the Jayhawks, Steve loved to share his passion for travel and history with his grandchildren.
Steve was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, William Slease. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lynne; son Scott and wife DeDe; daughter Carrie Wilson and husband John; three brothers, Marc and wife Marty, Karl and wife Jody and Eric; sister-in-law Judy Slease; four grandchildren, Rylee Wilson and fiancé Caleb McCullough, Amy Wilson, Collister Ryan and William Ryan, as well as his Buerkle, Ferguson, and Ryan cousins, nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary, with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 302 S. 7th St., Salina, the Rev. Kim Frederking officiating. Burial will be in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina. A reception will follow at the Salina Country Club.
Memorials are suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church, the Salina Family YMCA, or the Friends of the River Foundation, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. 8th St. Salina 67401.