William J "Bill" Ryan

William J. “Bill” Ryan passed away on May 5, 2025, at home in Peabody. He was surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born on February 27, 1950, in Providence, Rhode Island to James T. and Jeanette M. (Burton) Ryan. On December 12, 1992, he married Janette Butler in Wichita, Kansas.

Bill served his country honorably for two tours in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, receiving many accolades and medals, including the bronze star. He owned and operated Those Blasted Signs in Newton for many years, using his wonderful artistic talent. Many of his signs can be found in Newton and surrounding areas.

Bill was an active member of the American Legion Post #2 in Newton and instrumental in the American Legion Riders honoring fallen veterans across Kansas.

His greatest joy was assisting and leading in the Newton Annual Toy Run every November for many years. Bill also joyfully helped with the American Legion Turkey Run at Fort Riley in Kansas.

He is survived by his wife Janette; son, Steven Ryan, daughters Nicole Ryan, Jennifer Brady (Matthew), Janice Garcia (Jessy) and Krystal Lieby (Tyler); sisters: Kathleen M. Nottell (John) and Patricia Keenan (Robert). He is also survived by several nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Michael P. Ryan.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 9, 2025, at Petersen Funeral Home, Newton, KS, with Pastor Chip Bungard presiding. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time Friday. Burial will be in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, Rhode Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post#2 or Good Shepard Hospice Care and left in care of Petersen Funeral Home.

The family expresses their deep gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the wonderful staff and nurses at Good Shepard Hospice Care.