Donald L. Ryland, 81, of Hiawatha, formerly of Fairview, died Wednesday morning, August 23, 2023, at Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hiawatha where he had been a resident for a year.
Don was born on the family farm November 27, 1941 near Greenleaf in Washington County, Kansas, one of four children of Thomas and Luzena Orpha Ryland and lived with his family there attending country school prior to moving to Sabetha. He graduated from Sabetha High School with the class of 1959.
He married Marjean Neff May 6, 1966, at Atchison, Kansas. They made their home mostly in Sabetha, and Fairview and Maple Grove Apartments in Hiawatha in recent years. Don served his country in a couple capacities: 2 BN 130th FA Kansas Army National Guard in Hiawatha from 1966-68 before being activated to the Army where he served as Captain during the Vietnam War from 1968-73. He returned to the National Guard in 1986 and served until 2001 discharged at rank of sergeant. In addition to the Guard, he was a trucker at heart: working in the office of Koch Truck Line for many years before going on the road. There wasn’t anything Don couldn’t fix!! Marjean passed away April 26, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Ruth Painter, Dorothy Evans, and Arlene Fry.
Don was a member of the Fairview VFW.
Survivors include his children: Ronnie (Lisa) Huddleston of Falls City, NE, Beverly (Steve) Chambers of Topeka, KS, Dean Huddleston, Eddie (Sherry) Huddleston, both of Falls City, Amanda (Darren) Allen of Oneida, KS, Donna Green of Hiawatha, 21 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Don’s eternal life is planned for 10 a.m. Monday, August 28, 2023, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Cheryl Mishler will officiate. Burial will follow at Isely Cemetery with military honors.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon Sunday where the family will meet from 5 until 7 that evening.
