Donald Eugene Rhyan

Donald Eugene Rhyan, 87, passed away peacefully December 29, 2021. Don is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Janice; parents, Chauncie and Leona (Herder) Rhyan and brother Delbert Rhyan. He is survived by daughters Christine Brahler (Terry), Dianna Rhyan (Mark) and Cynthia Pearson (Buzz); grandchildren Rhyan and Erin Pearson, Nicholas Kardulias; sister Virginia Little; lifelong friends Art and Marilyn Reams and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Don was a 1952 graduate of Linden McKinley High School and a 1972 graduate of Franklin University with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957-59 and the Army Reserve through 1963. He was stationed in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, where he and Janice lived together as newlyweds, cherishing the time they could travel together and appreciating the hospitality of their host family. Don's entire professional career was with American Electric Power (formerly Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric Company), retiring in 1993 after more than 40 years of service. He was a longtime member of York Golf Club and a Master Mason of York Lodge No. 563. Don was a very talented woodworker and furniture maker. He also enjoyed reading, golfing, taking walks, working in the yard, listening to classical music, watching sports on TV, taking care of the kitty, fires in his woodburning fireplace and frequent trips to the Carolinas with Janice. He spent much of his time on the screened-in porch he had built for Janice, relaxing quietly or participating in the frequent family cookouts and pizza nights. He was a loving and fun "Papaw", and he will be dearly missed. There will be no funeral services at his request. Don will be buried at Kingwood Cemetery alongside Janice, who he so deeply missed this past year. To share memories or condolences, please visit the online guest book at www.NewcomerColumbus.com.