Vernon Dean Ryan, 74, Beverly passed away Saturday, November 12, 2011 at the Lincoln County Hospital. Dean was born June 27, 1937 in Great Bend to Earl Raymond and Jessie Bell (Horner) Ryan.

He was a 1956 graduate of Bennington High School and he later joined the United States Army. He became a demolition expert and served a total of eight years in Korea, Karlsruhe Germany, Fort Lewis, WA, and Fort Riley, KS. He was united in marriage with Judith Clark on November 11, 1961. Dean worked as a driver for Schwan's Food Company retiring after 25 years of service. He received numerous driving awards during his tenure with Schwan's. Dean also worked for Crop Services of Beverly and he hauled grain for the Cole Brothers of rural Beverly. Dean served as mayor of Beverly and he supervised the water and sewer plants. His love of trucking led him to a part time job for Eickhoff Enterprises of Marshall, MN and he continued to work for them until he suffered a stroke while unloading in Park City, MO.

He loved to fish and camp when he could work it in, but work was always first for him. Dean was a lifetime member of the Tescott American Legion.

Preceding him in death were his two sisters Patricia Rightmire and Marie Annette Gray.

Dean is survived by his wife Judith (Clark) Ryan of the home; son Steven Dean Ryan of Beverly; daughter Rebecca Ryan address unknown; three brothers Lawrence Ryan of Colorado Springs, CO, Loren Webster of Kansas City, KS, and Arlie "George" Ryan of Solomon; three grandchildren that Dean and Judy raised, Dee Nelson of Salina, Deven Ryan of Beverly, Dalen Ryan of Lincoln, and Dustin Ryan of Kansas City, KS; and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1 P.M., Friday at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis. Burial will be in Heiser Cemetery, rural Lincoln. Viewing will be from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home and the family will receive friends from 11 A.M. to service time on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice.