Rodger D. “Butch” Ryan, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body dementia.  He was born on April 2, 1943, in Decatur, the son of Joseph B. Ryan and Ivah C. Cazalet Holland. 

He leaves behind his loving family, including his wife Cindy, brother Terry (Lois) Ryan, his children: Michelle (Wade) Ehrhardt, Paula (David) Collier, Stefanie (Carrie) Ryan, and Derek (Aaron) Ryan, grandchildren: Lauren (Ryan) Gleason, Caitlin Parks, and Payton Tucker, step-children: Thad (Consuela) France, Lexi France Landers, and Misty (JB) Frye; step-grandchildren: Dylan France, Beau Landers, and Maverick Landers; step-great grandchild: Vera James France; sister-in-law: Nancy Ryan; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Michael “Mick” Ryan; infant brother: Joseph Rex Ryan; infant sister: Sandra Ryan; infant grandson: Devyn Ehrhardt; and step-grandchild: RemiAnn Landers.

Butch’s educational journey took him from Brushy Branch School to St. Mary’s Catholic School, Cathedral in Springfield, and then to Taylorville High School where he graduated in 1961.  He spent his entire life working the land as a farmer and contributed to his community as a former Christian County Board member for several years.  Butch was also the proud owner of the Westside Tavern in Taylorville from 1995 until 2022.

An ardent sports fan, Butch’s fervor for the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Chicago Bears, Notre Dame, and Fighting Illini was a constant.  Even as his health declined, he cherished his weekly breakfast gatherings with dear friends “Carp” and “Frankie J.”.

Butch will be cremated and a visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  A private family graveside service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Assumption.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to Christian County Senior Citizens Center, a cause close to Butch’s heart.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.