Mervin Glade Ryman

Mervin Glade Ryman, 90, of Shenandoah Junction, one of the Great Generation, passed away on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg.

Born Dec. 14, 1924, in Millville, he was the son of the late Edward and Zella Ryman.

He was of the Baptist faith, and a long time member of Grace Baptist Church, Shenandoah Junction. He was a former Deacon of the church.

The love of his life, Catherine Southard Ryman, predeceased him April 23, 2003. They were married June 23, 1950.

Mr. Ryman was a Mountaineer all of his life. He was a welder and heavy equipment operator by trade. His work included the construction of the Mount Storm power plant and the creating of Sidling Hill in western Maryland. He retired from construction in 1986.

He was a US Army Veteran of World War II. Corporal Ryman was a squad leader of Fox Company, 291st Infantry Regiment with the 75th Infantry Division. He was severely wounded on April 6, 1945 while repelling a German counter attack by the 2nd Parachute Division at Rutger’s Castle, Schloss Bladenhorst, Germany. His military decorations included the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Europeran African Middle Eastern Theater Medal with three campaign stars and the Army Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp. He was awarded the French Liberation Medal for combat in France. He was also awarded the Belgian Croix De Guerre with Lion Head and the Belgian World War II Service Medal with Crossed Swords device for combat at the Battle of Colmar Pocket (Battle of the Bulge). Mr. Ryman was also a veteran of the US Navy, serving on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Coral Sea and LST 55. Seaman First Class Ryman received the Navy Good Conduct Medal and the Navy Occupation Medal with Asia Clasp.

Mr. Ryman was awarded the Cold War Service Medal and Honorable Service Medal by American Legion Post 71, Charles Town, in recognition of his military service. He is also enrolled in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

Mr. Ryman is survived by two daughters, Joan Roy and husband, Lynden, of Charles Town, who handled his care and personal affairs for many years, and Reba Weller, of Shepherdstown; brother, Cecil Ryman, of Hudson, New York; sister, Arlene Hamilton, of Martinsburg; two grandsons; and two great-grand children.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Garland (Sonny) Ryman, and sister, Juanita Ryman.

Arrangements by Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home, 256 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry.

At the request of Mr. Ryman, there will be no service and interment will be private.

Condolences may be expressed at www.eackles-spencerfuneralhome.com.