Birth date: Jul 9, 1931 Death date: Aug 9, 2014
Decatur – Wallace Edison Ryan, 83, of Decatur, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2014 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Wallace was born July 9, 1931 in Mt. Pulaski, Illinois the son of Wilford E. and Ida (Gill) Ryan. A Navy Veteran of Read Obituary
Remembering good times. Thoughts and prayers from the Keller family.
Wally's memory will always remain as the music of the Barbershoppers and Sweet Adeline's echo in our hearts. We will miss your talents. Luther Botts and Family
My love to you Helen and your family. Wally was a prince of a man. He took us , "The Funatics" to a regional championshipin 1978…no small task. He used to respond to the question "How are you? with "Nearly Perfect:…Now he is really perfect. God Bless you my friend. Kathy Guy
Jeff and the Ryan Family;Sorry to hear about your loss. Your dad always made me laugh. He will be missed.– Brad Clark Tampa, Fl
Helen, I so remember Wally from when I first started coming to Illinois to coach and direct. He was such a friendly guy. I miss seeing you and wanted to say I care.Jerilee Inghram
Jennifer and the Ryan Family-I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Jan Munos SweitzerPhil, Matthew and Rachel Sweitzer
1967 changed my life! Sweet Adelines came into my world via Wally, Helen, and the girls of Decatur Illinois Sweet Adeline Chapter . There was NEVER any doubt Wally was our 'fearless leader'! We traveled many miles, all of us, together…rehearsals, competitions, Conventions and personal family parties. We were a 'family'! A tireless 'tag' singer, Wally taught us about Barbershop harmony through example…songs were often taught by 'rote' as only Wally could do. His BHS quartet, The Yachtsmen, gave us all so much joy…..Wally was the last to take the final bow. They're together, again. And the melody lingers on…………….I'll never forget! Elizabeth Hardcastle
I will always have the fondest memories of Uncle Wally. I spents a few summers with him and Aunt Helen at the lake. He got me on my first and last pair of water skis. I remember hearing barbershop music for the first time at their home. Rest well Uncle Wally.
Wally and I enjoyed ribbing each other about our favorite baseball teams. Wally was an avid Cubs fan and I root for the Cardinals. When Wally first learned that I was a Cardinals fan, his comment was "I really don't understand that…you look smarter than that." Wally could be very persuasive…but there was no way he could convince me to pull for the Cubs. However, if the Cubs ever make it to the World Series I'll know it's because Wally is exerting some influence "upstairs."
Oh where to begin???? I can't emphasize enough how meeting Helen and Wallythrough Sweet Adelines of Bloomington has enriched my life as well as many others.We were just about as onory as Wally so we got along swell. He not only knew how to direct chorus but he also introduced us the the famous "mint bucket" which we will never again partake of without a salute to Wally. We loved him so.Joe and Dianne
