Richard Wayne Ryals

Richard Ryals, 89, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. He had been a resident there for just a couple of weeks.

Richard Wayne Ryals was born in Mendota, MO, on October 26, 1927, one of twelve children born to John and Olive (Abbott) Ryals, who preceded him in death. He was reared in Putnam County and attended high school in Unionville. Richard married Shirlee Melton on June 25, 1950, and she survives at home.

Richard was inducted into the United States Army on January 4, 1952 and served during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge began a long career in sales, starting with appliances, but usually focusing on automobiles. He owned the Ford dealership in Unionville from 1971 until 1983. He also worked for Chet Danielson Auto in Fairfield, IA, and for car dealerships in Kansas City and the Lake of the Ozarks. From 1963 until 1966 he had Richard’s Surplus in Unionville. He also worked for Supreme Cattle from 1966 – 1973 and had a service station in Unionville during that time. Richard and Shirlee lived in Kansas City, MO, for a number of years before returning to Unionville in 2011. While in Kansas City he worked with his son, Bob, at Flash Foto.

Richard owned different airplanes and loved flying – especially taking his grandchildren and great grandchildren with him. He and Shirlee loved to travel and they had lots of fun trips. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Unionville. Richard had a good sense of humor and liked to visit. He enjoyed tinkering with cars in his later years.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by four children: Paul (Susan) Ryals of Lathrop, MO, Bob (Jana) Ryals of Kansas City, MO, Cindy (Rick) Gray, of Livonia, MO, and Julie (Steve) Kilson of Kearney, MO. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Richard’s surviving siblings are Shirley Comstock, Sherry Huffman, Margaret Harmison, Joanne Davis, Debbie Matthews, Gerald Ryals, Roger Ryals, and Ronnie Ryals.

Richard was also preceded in death by a sister, Marjorie Luse, and two brothers, Truman Ryals and John Robert Ryals.

A visitation in honor of Richard Ryals will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home from 1:00 -3:00 pm on Sunday, July 9, 2017. There will be no services.

Memorials for Richard are suggested to the PC Café and Resource Center and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.