Francis Emmett Ryan, 82, of Mission, KS, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Shawnee Post Acute Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his loving family. The visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 5500 Woodson Rd., Mission, KS. Burial with Navy Military Honors will be at 1 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Pius X Catholic Church. 

    Frank was born July 9, 1943, in Flush, KS, the son of Emmett and Mary (Kennedy) Ryan. As a young man, he loved the outdoors including fishing and hunting with his dog Cooner while growing up on the family farm in Blaine KS.  He was a graduate of Flush High School in 1961.  

    Frank enlisted and served in the United States Navy from 1961-1966.  His basic training with the Navy was in San Diego CA.  Upon completion, he was stationed in Japan where he was flown to Vietnam on numerous missions to service military aircraft. Once his tour was over in Japan, he was stationed at the Naval station at Monterey, CA., where he met the love of his life, Betty Ann Chard. They were wed at Power’s Hall Chapel on the naval base in Monterey on April 16, 1966. Together they had one son (David) born February of 1967. While still located in California, Frank worked for Lockheed Missile and Space prior to relocating to Chanute KS, where Betty was born and raised. 

    Upon moving to Chanute KS, Frank held various jobs including Rainbow Bread Co. and Cobalt Marine.  He eventually landed his dream job with Santa Fe Railroad in 1969 and was hired as a brakeman.  After 4 years of service, Frank was promoted to Conductor and retired in 2003 after 34 years of service. 

    Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Joe, Jim, and Loretta. He is survived by his wife Betty Ryan of the home, son David Ryan and spouse Debra of Olathe, KS, granddaughter Lauren Ryan and spouse Sarah of Shawnee, KS and grandson Daniel Ryan and fiancé Colton Guyette of Lenexa, KS, His sister Dorothy Cherney of Frankfort, KS and numerous nieces and nephews.