Ryan Wayne Mennen, age 49 of Romney, passed into his Lord and Savior’s presence, in his sleep, Friday, September 18, 2026. Ryan was born in Crawfordsville on March 14, 1977 to Harold Wayne and Linda Lee Rankin Mennen. Jesus blessed his parents with a handsome boy that grew into a handsome man. He loved his parents fiercely and spoke his appreciation and gratitude to them often.

Ryan’s maternal grandparents were Robert and Martha Rankin. Ryan was the light and joy in their lives from day one and was their only grandchild. His paternal grandparents were Glenn and Doris Mennen. They all preceded Ryan into the Lord’s presence and they were there to welcome him into his eternal home. He was also preceded in death by his cousin Michael Mennen.

Surviving along with his parents are; his maternal Aunt & Uncle Sue Ann Rankin Benham (Shawn), Paternal Uncle & Aunt Dennis Mennen (Kathy), cousins; Jason Mennen (Misty), Melissa Mennen Auxier (Ben) and many extended relatives.

Ryan was christened in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lafayette by Pastor Jacob Hoffman. In his young teen years Ryan invited Christ into his life, confessed himself as a sinner, his faith and belief in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Ryan was baptized while attending Liberty Chapel Church in rural Crawfordsville by Pastor Allen Sparks.

Ryan was a long-time member of Sugar Creek Swim Club in his youth. He placed very well in individual events as well in relay events. He and his parents traveled all over for swim meets coached by Gail Pebworth and Ellen Swift. He enjoyed golf in high school and varsity lettered as a Freshman.

Ryan attended Mount Zion Elementary School and was a graduate of North Montgomery High School with the class of 1995. He attended Ivy Tech Community College and received multiple welding certifications. He also attended plumbing school and worked as an apprentice with his father in Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. He was a member of the Labor’s Internation Union Local 120 at that time.

Ryan loved to help with farming…through the years at harvest time he helped Jeff & Joe Myers, Bill Calder and the Cain Family. As a small boy he would sit on the big tractors at Robinson Implement in Wingate and pretend he was farming. He eventually turned pretend into the real deal, operating tractors in the fields and driving semis to the grain terminals.

Ryan had incredible mechanical skills from a young age. He loved his tools and making repairs. He was proud of the John Deere 140 Lawn Tractor he refurbished, from the engine through the final paint job. He also had a ’69 Chevelle he enjoyed driving and tinkering with. He took immaculate care of his vehicles and kept them shining.

He started a career in 2017 with Caterpillar in Lafayette, working in Dyno, 3500 and 3600 where he really enjoyed building the big engines. He strived for perfection in all he did as he built engines and expected the same from everyone else. Doing the job with skill and accuracy, not half-way was his expectation. He really appreciated his friend Tim in the 3500 area, who also wanted things done well, neat, tidy and correctly. Ryan rarely took time off even though he worked many hours. Ryan came home from the work he loved, laid down and peacefully passed to his creator in Heaven.

Visitation hours for Ryan will be 5:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate (9700 Old North State Road 55 Wingate, IN. 47994) . He will be laid to rest in the family plot in Oak Hill Cemetery with private graveside services on Friday. Memorial contributions are preferred to the Veterans Memorial Park at the American Legion Post, Crawfordsville. Visit us on line at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.

Ryan’s parents wish to thank everyone who have prayed for the three of them through difficult times. They remain grateful for the Lord’s strength that continues to carry them.