Joseph Robert Ryan

March 17, 1937 ~ February 15, 2020
He was born on March 17, 1937, in Independence, Missouri, the son of the late Richard Roy and Hattie Jane (Griffitts) Ryan. Joe was raised by his aunt and uncle, Harvey and Gertrude Sheffer.
A 1955 graduate of Marshall High School, Joe served in the Missouri National Guard from 1953-1955 and with the United States Air Force from 1955-1959.
He was united in marriage on December 28, 1963, at the St. Peter Catholic Church in Marshall, Missouri to Mary Kay Bruns, who survives at the home.
Over Joe’s long career in the home improvement industry, he worked as the store manager for Sherwin Williams Paint in Sedalia; Architectural and Company Representative for Benjamin Moore Paint Company; Manager of the Carpet and Flooring Department at Fab Building Center; and Sommers Interiors, retiring in 1997. For many years during his retirement, he worked for Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home.
Joe was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Holy Name Society, and the “Dream Team”. He served for many years as an Election Judge and volunteered at the ABLE book sale.
Joe enjoyed playing lots of golf, attending sporting events of the St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs and the University of Missouri Mizzou Tigers. Surprisingly, he loved shopping with his wife. Joe was an avid reader of westerns and history novels; watching all western movies, especially John Wayne movies; playing cards, board games, and spending time outside at night on his deck. Not only did he love being “Mr. Fix-it" for his family and friends, he often made the perfect wood item for them. He had a big and loving heart with a great sense of humor. He loved his job at Dulle Trimble Funeral Home as well as being on the “Dream Team” at his church.
Joe’s kids, grandkids and family were the world to him. He loved everything about being a father to his 3 children and “Papa” to his 8 grandkids. He was always there for them whether it be attending one of their events, babysitting, helping them move, fixing or building something for them, playing games, traveling with them, or just spending special time with them and being an active part of their lives.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Kay; three children, Julie Ann Lindstrom, Lees Summit; Jan Eileen (Kevin) Heislen, Jefferson City; Benjamin Keenan (Cathryn) Ryan, Webster Groves; eight grandchildren, Taylor Heislen, Alex Heislen, Delaney Lindstrom, Kate Lindstrom, Tate Heislen, Keenan Ryan, Lucy Ryan, and Everly Ryan; two sisters, Mary Lou Logan, Terrell, Texas and Patsy Thompson, Dallas, Texas; and a brother, Chuck Sheffer, Marshall, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Richard Ryan, and John Ryan; and sisters, Virginia Ryan, Florence Ryan, Betty Quilenderino, and Alice McFadden.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, February 21, 2020, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Rev. Donald J. Antweiler officiating.
Burial with military honors will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, “Dream Team”, 1206 E. McCarty Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
Friends and Family uploaded 3 to the gallery.
papa ALWAYS let me have his spot at the dinner table! i also can maybe think of only 5 sporting events of my whole life that him and nana weren’t at. i think i owe them lots of money for all of the entry fees for my games! papa would always say “add it to your tab” and i’m definitely going to let that one carry on. i love you papa!
Enjoyed working with Joe on the Dream Team at Immaculate Conception Church. Jim Winkelman
Remembering many fun times when our kids were in school in Sedalia, and Joe was such a special and caring man. Thoughts and prayers for all the family.
Joe was a second dad to me and so many others growing up in Sedalia. We all have so many funny stories of our days spent with the Ryan family. I will always have the fondest of memories of this incredibly kind, caring and jovial man. He was one of a kind and made the world a funnier and better place because he was in it. He will be sadly missed.
I am so sorry to see this. Joe was a great guy. Mary Kay and family, I send you my prayers and hugs. Tina Contreras and family
Mary Kay and family. Please know of our thoughts and prayers at this time of mourning. Joe was a great guy and I always enjoyed working with him at the funeral home. Such a good man. We are so sorry for your loss.
Prayers to the Family. Joe was one of the Dream Team at IC I had the pleasure to work with every week. Always there to help with any project needing done. he will be missed. Matt and Cindy McGrail
Mary Kay and family – my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I worked with Joe at the polls for several years and it was such a delight. He was very knowledgeable and took his job very seriously while also being very congenial. He talked about his family a lot and you just knew he was a good family man. I know you will miss him but be thankful he was with you as long as he was.
Mary Kay and family, Fred just called me to tell me about Joseph’s passing. Our deepest sympathies are with you during this time of loss. Even though we haven’t seen you in such a long time, I remember fondly the good times we had whenever the Bruns clan(s) got together (as children and then reunions). We hope you can find reassurance in the care of your family and friends, and allow the loving memories help you through this difficult time. Kathryn (Linhardt) and Don Stroessner
speechless….this family always treated me and everyone i knew with such respect and kindness. always a hi, hello, smile ! this day just was never to come. there is not or never was a day on 3rd st. you all were not in my thoughts…that will never end…thank the world everyday for people such as these….jack
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Sending you much prayers and love. I pray God gives you all the strength and comfort during this sad time.
Joe may be the nicest person I’ve met. A true gentleman.
Joe was my manager at Fab Building Center. He was a good guy, always speaking highly of Mary Kay and his kids. He was a storyteller, I especially remember him telling us how he made extra money in the service sewing on buttons for those guys who didn’t know how. He was proud of his Irish Heritage and for Christmas one year he gave us all a green marble shamrock pendant which I wear every St. Pat’s Day and now I will wear in his memory. I will miss visiting with Joe.
Mary Kay, Jules, Jan and Ben, My heart and prayers are with you today and the coming days. I am so sorry that I could not make it back to be with you this weekend. My arms are hugging you all the way from California. Joe, was a very special guy and I am lucky to have grown up with him. God Speed. Jennifer Diefenderfer-Walsh
Mary Kay and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was such a kind & gentle soul. Remembering him from the neighborhood and years at Southwest School. May he Rest In Peaceߙϰߘ