Obituaries

Thomas Francis Ryan

Photo of Thomas Francis Ryan
Thomas Francis Ryan, 85, of Rogers, Ark., died Dec. 15, 2013. He was born March 21, 1928, in Kansas City, Mo., to Denis Christopher and Rosanne Sullivan Ryan. Tom had a love for Christ, family and friends. He grew up in Kansas City and joined the Navy during WW2. He moved to NWA in 1972 where he was the owner of several successful businesses and, lastly, The Rogers Health Food Store. Tom and Frances both helped set up the first Scripture Study Program in their parish of St. Raphael in Springdale and later helped with Life in the Spirit Seminars at St. Vincent de Paul. Tom also donated his time to hospital ministries. His family will always remember him most for his spiritual example. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Denis Ryan; and one sister, Mary Jo Haidusek. Thomas is survived by his wife, Frances, of 61 years; four sons, Thomas Ryan and wife, Jerri, of Fort Smith, Ark., John Ryan of Fayetteville, Ark., Terry Ryan and wife, Paula, of Rogers, Ark., and Denis Ryan and wife, Chrisy, of Argyle, Texas; one daughter, Kathleen Reed and husband, Mike, of Rogers, Ark.; one brother, Patrick Ryan of Overland Park, Kan.; one sister, Rosanne Hoedl of Overland Park, Kan.; 18 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1305 W. Cypress, Rogers, AR 72756. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, at Stockdale-Moody Funeral Chapel, with the rosary being prayed at 6 p.m. by Deacon Clarence Leis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, 2013, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers, with The Very Rev. Monsignor David LeSieur officiating. Burial will be at St. Vincent Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Online condolences and words of comfort may be shared at stockdalefuneral.com.

Published December 18, 2013

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