Dr. Gary Thomas Ryan

Dr. Gary Thomas Ryan, M.D.

October 15, 1944 — March 1, 2026

El Paso, Texas

Dr. Gary T. Ryan, MD, of El Paso, Texas, passed away on March 1, 2026, at the age of 81, after a 1½ year battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, patriotism, and deep commitment to the community he loved.

Born on October 15, 1944, in Sioux City, Iowa, Dr. Ryan attended Medical School in Iowa City, graduating from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, where he began the journey that would define his calling as a Physician.

A proud Veteran of the United States Army, Dr. Ryan enlisted in 1969, rising through the ranks to Major. During his military service, he lived in Germany and Hawaii. He began a rotating internship at Tripler Army Medical Center in Oahu, Hawaii, serving as a Captain in the United States Army. He then completed his OB/GYN Residency at William Beaumont Army Medical Center at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Ryan later served in Nuremberg, Germany, at the 130th General Army Hospital, where he rose to the rank of Major and served as Chief of the OB/GYN Department.

He wore his Veteran’s hat everywhere he went, a simple yet constant symbol of the pride he held in serving his country.

Following his military service, Dr. Ryan established his private Obstetrics & Gynecology practice in El Paso in 1976. For 37 years, he faithfully served the women and families of the El Paso community, delivering generations of babies and standing beside families during life’s most sacred and vulnerable moments. Over the course of his career, he had the privilege of delivering thousands of babies, touching the lives of generations of families across the El Paso Community.

In 2013, he began serving at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where he served as Director of Women’s Services until his Retirement in 2020.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Ryan was deeply committed to service and brotherhood. He was an active member of the El Paso Northeast Rotary Club, living out the principle of “Service Above Self.” Dr. Ryan was a proud Master Mason for more than 50 years, first raised at Iowa City Lodge No. 4, A.F. & A.M. in Iowa City, Iowa, and later a Member of Fraternity Lodge No. 1111 in El Paso. He was also a 32° Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of El Paso and a devoted member of the El Maida Shrine, where he served as a Red Baron and Clown supporting The Mission of Shriners Children’s Hospitals and helping provide care to children and families throughout the region.

He lived his life guided by the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth.

He remained actively engaged in civic and political life throughout his years in El Paso.

But those who knew him best will remember his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and gift for storytelling. One of his favorite sayings, a line that will forever echo in the hearts of those he loved, was, “The Carrots Grow Upside Down in March.” It was one of his playful expressions—a reminder not to take life too seriously and to find humor in the unexpected. It remains a cherished memory and a piece of him his family will carry always.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wilma Faye Ryan and Charles Aloysius Ryan, and his Sisters, Sue Ann Ryan and Connie Tweet.

He is survived by his beloved Wife, Gloria Ryan; his daughters, Kelly Snyder, Katie Trimmer, Brenda Tindall, Kimberly Wieser, and Krista Ryan; his cherished Grandchildren, Amanda Snyder, Lauren Snyder, Mackenzie McGuire, Madison McGuire, Jack Trimmer, Alex Trimmer, Nicholas Trimmer, Nathan Trimmer, Nadia Ryan, Maverick Hightower, Arianna Ben-Meir, Avery Wieser, and Alexis Wieser; his Sisters, Linda Dachsteiner and Sally Everett; and his loyal Dog, Elfe.

Dr. Ryan will be remembered for his service to his country, his dedication to his patients and community, and the enduring love of the family who proudly carry his name and spirit forward.

Though he is gone, his stories, laughter, and the reminder that “the carrots grow upside down in March” will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A Celebration of Life for Dr. Gary T. Ryan will be held on March 21, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Homes – Northeast, Hondo Pass, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a memorial ceremony beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Following the ceremony, the family warmly invites all who attend to gather in celebration of Gary’s life at Rosa’s Cantina, one of his favorite places, from 3-7pm. All are welcome to join in sharing memories, stories, and fellowship in his honor.

Military Honors will be rendered in tribute to his service in the United States Army, followed by Masonic Rites conducted by his fellow brothers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Shriners Children’s or to a Veterans Organization, causes that were close to his heart.