Thomas 'Tom' Ryan

A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Monday, July 13th, at the Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge (2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Tom Ryan, 83, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on June 14, 2026, following a stroke. He was born on June 19, 1942, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Lawrence Haines and Helen Gabeline Ryan.

Tom grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He attended the University of Iowa, where he began building the foundation of friendships, passions, and values that would shape the rest of his life.

While still a young man, Tom met the love of his life, Sherri, and the two began a partnership that would last 63 years. Together they raised their daughter, Cottie (Carolyn Beckler), who later married Gene Beckler. Tom was immensely proud of his grandchildren, Thomas and Caitlyn (married to Tanner Merrifield), and he adored his great‑grandchildren, Laina and Levitt, who brought him endless joy.

Tom had many passions, but few brought him as much daily happiness as tending to his extensive hosta garden, a labor of love he nurtured every summer. He was also a lifelong collector — of tobacco tins, sports memorabilia, and countless other treasures that reflected his curiosity and appreciation for history and craftsmanship.

For more than three decades, Tom devoted himself to coaching baseball in the Raccoon Valley Little League. Though he never coached his own child, he became a mentor, role model, and steady presence for hundreds of young players. Tom believed that baseball was more than a game; it was a place where kids learned how to handle challenges, treat others with respect, and grow into themselves. His calm leadership, fairness, and genuine care left a lasting mark on generations of families. Many former players continued to write to him as adults, sharing how deeply his guidance shaped their lives.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Sherri; his daughter, Cottie, and her husband, Gene; his grandchildren, Thomas and Caitlyn; his great‑grandchildren, Laina and Levitt; and his sister, Judy Milligan, along with her children and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Tom will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his patience, his love of the game, and the quiet, steady way he made life better for the people around him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless young people he encouraged, taught, and believed in.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom’s honor to the Hope Animal Rescue of Iowa.