Leon Holston Ryan, civil engineer

Leon Holston Ryan, 88, of Lewes, passed away Monday, March 21, 2016. Leon was born April 12, 1927, in Wilmington, the son of the late Leon H. and Reba C. Ryan.

Leon spent his early years lifeguarding on the beach in Rehoboth. He graduated from Newark High School in 1945, and went on to graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in civil engineering.

Leon’s career spanned many areas, including the Delaware Highway Department, Sports Research Institute of Bingley, Yorkshire, England, and the Delaware Public Service Commission.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janet of Lewes; son and daughter-in-law James and Loretta Ryan of Seattle, Wash.; daughter and son-in-law Mary and Michael Roth of Wilmington; and son and daughter-in-law Leon H. and Candy B. Ryan of Birmingham, Ala. He is also survived by grandsons Holston T. Ryan of Birmingham, Ashley C. Ryan of Irving, Texas, and granddaughter Colby F. Ryan of Waco, Texas. He was predeceased by his son John E.H. Ryan.

A private service and burial were held at St. George’s Chapel, Harbeson.

Memorial contributions may be made in Leon’s name to Leader Dogs for the Blind https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ldfb, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation https://www2.jdrf.org/site/Donation2?idb=498628735&df_id=2374&mfc_pref=T&2374.donation=form1 or All Saints’ Episcopal Church of Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.