Vernon E. Ryan, known to most as Rusty Ryan, was born March 30, 1929 in Byron, Oklahoma, son of Orville R. and Iona (Withrow) Ryan.  Rusty spent most of his childhood with his grandparents, Thomas and Nina Ryan.  He attended school in Anthony graduating from Anthony High School with the Class of 1947.

On July 4, 1948, Rusty married the love of his life, Laberta "Jean" Bailey, in Garden City, Kansas.  They made their home in Anthony, Kansas and were blessed with three children: Greg, Randy, and Monica.

In the early 1950's, Rusty opened Rusty's Barber Shop.  For the next 7 decades, Rusty cut hair and became a Main Street icon in Anthony.  Although he didn't keep perfect track, he once said he figured he had given over ½ million haircuts during his lifetime and cut hair for 4-5 generations in some families.  He kept the barber shop open until he was admitted to the hospital just a few weeks before he passed away.

One of Rusty's favorite things to do was fish.  In 1953, he concocted his own special stink bait.  This led to the opening of Rusty's Bait Shop, and his products, all of which he invented on his own, eventually hit the shelves across the United States and Canada.  He was most known for his famous stink bait but added to his line various other fishing baits and lures including shad, livers, and dipper doodles.  Rusty always welcomed and encouraged all to enjoy a good fishing trip.  Many memories were made with his family and close friends at the Anthony Lake as he would be grinning from ear to ear while reeling in the catfish.

Rusty was a talented musician, a gift his sons and wife shared with him.  From 1963 to 1967 Rusty was a drummer in the rock and roll band, Electric Soul, with his son, Greg.  In 1970, The Rebel Rousers were started, which included Rusty, Jean, Greg, Randy, and at different times family friends, Dana Davis, Dennis Robinson, Craig White, and Ron Prouse.  They spent the next 18 years playing at various events and places 50 of the 52 weekends a year.

The most important part of Rusty's life was being a husband, father, and grandfather.  He was the most caring and loyal husband to Jean, and when she passed away in 2013, Rusty's heart was shattered.  He had spent several years caring for her during her struggle with MS and made it possible for her to remain at home with his care.  His children never doubted how much he loved them.  He was their hero, rock, and biggest supporter throughout their lives.  He was also the world's greatest grandpa to Brodie and his family.  In 2016, Rusty's heart was broken again when his son, Greg suddenly passed away.

On June 5, 2022, Rusty passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita, Kansas at the age of 93.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; son, Greg; his parents; brothers: Victor, Jack, and Thomas Ryan; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law: Beverly and Norman Apple and Ralph Smith.

Rusty will be deeply missed by his children: Randy Ryan and Monica Ryan (Bob Vega); grandson, Brodie Ryan and wife, Bianca Kamnitzer; two great-grandchildren: Zephyr Antrim Ryan and Iris Breene Ryan; siblings: Orvetta Quinsberry (Bobby Flippo), Stewart Ryan (Yvette), Paula Chung (Sam), Linda Ryan Wilson, and Terry Ryan (Barbara); sisters-in-law, Thelma Smith and Karen Ryan; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022 at the Christian Church in Anthony, Kansas.  Burial will follow in Spring Grove Cemetery, west of Anthony.

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Prairie Rose in Anthony.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Anthony Kiwanis Club or the Rusty Ryan Memorial Fund and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.