Fay Ester Ryan, 85, of Bella Vista, AR, passed away on April 14, 2026. He was born on February 23, 1941, at home near Gateway, Arkansas. He was the fourth son of Clarence and Stella Schnitzer Ryan.

He attended grade school in Garfield and high school in Rogers, AR graduating in 1959. Following school, he enlisted in the US Air Force and remained for 21 years. He got a valuable education while serving and was stationed at locations in Labrador, Spain, and Panama, as well as many US bases. He began in the Weather Service and progressed to Electronic Maintenance and on to Space Systems Equipment Superintendent retiring as Master Sergeant. While serving he was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.

In 1963, he married Chiang Reeder and to this union 2 children were born.

Following retirement from the Air Force, he continued his Satellite work with several companies until retirement in 2003, in the Frederick, MD area.

His employment following that was as his son's assistant in his ABC All Wildlife Removal Service in Maryland. Those were some of his favorite years.

In 2009, he returned to his roots in Arkansas to be closer to his brothers and their families. In 2010, he met Cathy Downard. They were married on November 24, 2014, and spent many happy years traveling the country and world and enjoying life in Bella Vista, AR.

Fay was an avid Harley Davidson owner for many years and enjoyed traveling the country on 2 wheels. He was active in the American Legion, American Legion Riders group, and Patriot Guard Riders for several years. Fay was also active with Honor Guard and NW Arkansas Veterans Council and Bella Vista Wall of Honor. He was a Patriot!

Fay was preceded in death by his brother, Teddy and his parents.

Survivors are his wife, Cathy; his sons, Tim Ryan (Kelli) of Frederick, MD, Jeffrey Downard (Cheryl) of Indianola, IA, and Scott Downard (Judy) of Indianola, IA; his daughter, Ann Schafer (Scott) of Pennsylvania; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; his brothers, Carl Ray (Arline) of Rogers and Billy Joe (Any) of Pea Ridge, AR; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Services will be arranged by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematorium, and he will be inurned in the family plot at Roller Ridge Cemetery in Gateway, AR.