Melvin Joseph Ryals

Melvin J. Ryals, 89, of Bonne Terre, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born Saturday, January 13, 1934 in St. Louis, to the late Chester E. and Cecelia E. (Dobelman) Ryals. He was of Catholic faith and a member of the International Lithographers and Photo Engravers Union LPIU of St. Louis, where he retired as a Photo Engraver. Mel loved boating at Lake of the Ozarks on his Chris-Craft yacht, named “Jamacian Me Krazy!”. He was an avid tv watcher, some of his favorite shows were Young Sheldon, Big Bang theory and episodes of Mash. Some of his special times were spent outdoors with his sons’ shooting guns, but most importantly he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Alice (Cochran) Ryals; sons, Michael, Thomas and Robert “Bob” Ryals; granddaughter, Amber Christy (Ryals); grandson, T.J. Ryals; sister, Joan Burkemper (Curtis); and in-laws, Robert and Hassell Cochran.

Mel is survived by his two daughters; Pamela Nicholson (Al); Dawn Ryals; daughter in -law, Kathy (late Robert “Bob” ) Ryals; grandchildren, Mandy (Dan) Baumann, Jenny (Dell) Belisle, Jill (Vincent) Wieck, Zach (Erica) Ryals, Ericka (late T.J.) Ryals and Ashley (Ben) Patton; great-grandchildren, Miriam, Evelyn Louise, Maggie, Annabella, Tennessee, Audrey, Truman, Zoe, Bowie, Vanessa, Raelynn, Maybelle, Teddy, and Prudence; twin brother Kelvin Ryals; he is also, survived by many nieces, nephews and special friends, Tammy, Robbie, Terri, Jim, Jan, Ron and many others that were close to his heart. Mel will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him. The family would like to personally thank Ron Nicholson, Ellen Tripp and Serenity Hospice for the love and care of their father during his illness.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Bonne Terre, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, from 4:00 PM until service time of 6:00 PM with Father Jim French officiating. A private burial will follow on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Serenity Hospice or Farmington Pet Adoption Center. Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Bonne Terre.