Delmar "Deac" Ryan

Funeral services for Delmar “Deac” Ryan, 85, of Eldridge, will be 4:00 pm, Monday at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Eldridge. Family will greet friends on Monday from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the church. Private family burial will take place on Tuesday at the Long Grove Christian Church Cemetery, Long Grove, IA.  

Deac passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at his home in Eldridge.  

Deac was born on November 2, 1938, in Osage, IA, the son of Wesley and Eloise (Morrison) Ryan.  He attended UNI, where he received his degree in business and teaching, and his master’s degree from the University of Iowa.  He married Mary Sue Case on August 11, 1962, in LaGrange, IN. 

Deac loved attending and supporting his grandchildren’s school and sports activities, and he especially loved watching and cheering on the Morningside Mustangs football team.

Deac taught business, coached track, football, and basketball at North Scott High School for 39 years, retiring in 2001.

He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Eldridge, where he served in many capacities and was a Deacon and served as the Financial Secretary for many years.

Deac also received recognition in his teaching and coaching.  In 1991 he was the recipient of the Golden Apple Award. He was named the Boys’ High School Referee at the Drake Relays. 

He has also been inducted into the North Scott Athletic Hall of Faith, The Osage High School Distinguished Alumni Award, the Iowa FCA Hall of Faith, the Mississippi Valley FCA Hall of Faith, and he was so honored to have the Lancer Relays renamed the Deac Ryan Relays.

Survivors include his wife; Mary Sue, of Eldridge, sons; Steve Ryan of Sioux City, IA, Tim (Brenda) Ryan of Collierville, TN, son-in-law; Steve Maitlen of Creston, IA. grandchildren; Joshua (Erin) Maitlen, Ryan (Caitlyn) Maitlen, Brianna Maitlen, Seth (Kassidy) Maitlen, Cayla Maitlen, Madison Ryan, Kali Ryan, Kelsi Ryan, Jenna Ryan, Gabrielle Ryan, William Ryan, Shayna (Cameron) Webb, Jamey Ryan, Jessica Ryan, Maryssa Ryan, Rayley Ryan, great-grandchildren; Rylee Maitlen, Emerson Maitlen, Cameron Maitlen, sister; Joyce Badker of Manly, IA, brothers; Wayne Ryan of Mason City, IA, Don Ryan of Princeton, IL, and Ron Ryan of Osage, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Susan Maitlen, sisters, Janet Putnam, Beulah Kurtz and Sharon Badker. 

Memorials may be directed to the Mississippi Valley FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) or Cornerstone Baptist Church, Eldridge.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.