“You make known to me the path of life: in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
Ryan Vasut, 43, passed away on Friday, November 22nd after a year-long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, children, and close friends when his faith became sight.
Born in St. Joseph, Missouri to Bob and Diana Vasut, Ryan enjoyed an incredible childhood of fishing, swimming, exploring, sports, reading and family adventures both on the farm and on family trips. Attending church with his family, he heard the gospel preached and surrendered his life to Jesus at nine years old. His love for God’s Word began early as he devoured his Adventure Bible, eventually adding Bible commentaries as a teen. He discovered a love for mission trips in high school, and volunteered on trips to The Philippines, China, Haiti, and many US states.
Ryan was a lifelong learner, earning a BS in Advanced Biblical Studies from Calvary Bible College, a Master’s of Divinity in Biblical and Theological Studies and a Master’s of Theology in New Testament from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master’s of Science in Library Science from the University of Kentucky. He worked for many years at Boyce Library at SBTS, culminating in his position as Associate Librarian, and he enjoyed building and reading his personal theological library until his passing.
Ryan was a wonderfully loving husband to Megan for nineteen years, welcoming five children into the world together. Ryan led bible studies for his family in their home, taught the children to garden, and spent countless hours playing games, doing puzzles, wrestling, and reading books with the children. Their family enjoyed many adventures and traditions together, and will continue to do so in his honor.
Ryan and Megan were members of Frazier Baptist Church as young adults, and joined Highview Baptist Church in 2008 after moving to Louisville, Kentucky. Ryan enjoyed teaching God’s Word in different contexts, but was exceptionally gifted at teaching and writing curriculum in Children’s Ministry.
He spent his last years faithfully providing for his family as a Humana employee, where he made many friends who supported him in his career and in his battle with cancer.
Ryan was determined not to waste his cancer. He prayed that his season of suffering would honor the Lord, and that the Lord would use it to bring others to know and trust Him. Ryan spent the last year of his life pouring the Word into his children, deepening his relationships with others, and offering his life and death to be used by the Lord for His glory.
Ryan was preceded in death by grandparents, Elo and Mary Vasut; grandparents, Edward and Lynna Mae Barnett; uncle and aunt Almus and Joyce Allen. Ryan also met their two miscarried children, Evelyn and Rylan Vasut, upon his homecoming.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Megan; children, Allison (13), Lily (10), Weston (9), Grayson (6), and Selah (3); parents Bob and Diana Vasut; brothers Eric (Sara) Vasut and Colton (Elizebeth) Vasut; 14 nieces and nephews; many other relatives, and an abundance of church family.
Visitation will be 2pm to 4pm on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at Highview Baptist Church, 15201 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40245. A celebration of Ryan’s life will follow at 4pm.
A separate service will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Frazier Baptist Church, Gower, MO. at 6pm with visitation to follow until 8:00pm. The family burial will take place at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Gower, Missouri.
