Earl "Mort" Ryan

Earl “Mort” Ryan, 95, of Rockport, W.Va., passed away August 25, 2014.He was born Jan. 6, 1919, in Wood County, W.Va., a son of the late Charles and Lois Brand.Earl was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and owned and operated Ryan's Grocery in Mineral Wells, W.Va. after returning home. He retired from John's Manville in 1981 in Vienna, W.Va. and lived for carpentry work. He is survived by two daughters, Barbara Casto (Roger) of Mineral Wells, W.Va. and Susan “Skeeter” Curry (Tim) of Rockport, W.Va. one son, Robert “John” Ryan (Janis) of Rockport. He was the loving grandfather “Mort” to eight grandchildren, Angela “Skimp” Blackwell, Danielle “Tater” Rinard, Michele “Ladybug” Life, Jodi “Doot” Smith, Betsy “Jigger” Brigner, Ashley “Sammy” Curry, Jeff “Beetle” Ryan, and Scott “Catfish” Ryan; and 11 great-grandchildren, for whom he also had nicknames. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Liddie “Gert” Prine Ryan (2011); one son, Steven “Tom” Ryan (2009); two brothers, Clement Brand and Carman Ryan; and one sister, Leatha Stuckey.Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, South Parkersburg with Jeff Ryan and Pastor Ryan Brooks officiating.Interment will follow at Big Tygart Cemetery in the Rockport Section. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 on Wed., Aug. 27, at the funeral home. American Legion Post 15 of Parkersburg will begin services Thursday with military honors.