Ryan WalterGarnett, KS

Ryan Walter, age 60, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

He was born on August 14, 1965, to Leland Walter and Alberta (Hager) Bishop in Garnett, Kansas. Ryan grew up in Garnett and graduated from Garnett High School with the Class of 1984. From an early age, he demonstrated the strong work ethic and determination that would define his life. At just eight years old, Ryan began showing cattle through 4-H, learning responsibility, discipline, and the value of hard work. By age sixteen, he started working at Pence Grocery, beginning a lifelong commitment to serving others and working hard that continued throughout his entire life.

After attending Emporia State University, Ryan returned to the Garnett area, where he built a career marked by skill, dedication, and perseverance. He worked as an electrician for Tholens, the City of Garnett, Sprint, and later P-1 Group. In time, Ryan turned his entrepreneurial spirit into a successful business, operating Ryan's Pest Control full-time beginning in 2007 after several years of building it part-time.

Ryan was known for his quick wit, infectious sense of humor, and ability to make people laugh. He loved telling jokes and was especially talented at impersonating others, often bringing smiles to those around him. Whether spending time with family, friends, customers, or strangers, Ryan had a gift for making people feel comfortable and welcome.

A remarkably talented craftsman, Ryan could build, repair, or create nearly anything he set his mind to. His exceptional woodworking skills were cultivated at an early age under the guidance of his grandfather, Bill Hager, who took Ryan under his wing and shared his knowledge, craftsmanship, and love for working with his hands. Ryan carried those lessons throughout his life and took great pride in every project he completed. Family and friends knew that if something was broken, Ryan could probably fix it. He was always willing to share his time, talents, and knowledge with anyone in need.

Ryan's love for animals began at an early age. Growing up, he cared for some unusual pets, including a raccoon and a coyote. Throughout his life, he maintained a special connection with animals and had a natural ability to work with dogs. Many joked that he was a true "dog whisperer," and one of his favorite accomplishments was training a dog to retrieve a cold beer from the refrigerator.

Ryan had a passion for sports throughout his life and a deep commitment to mentoring young people. At just sixteen years old, he began coaching Little League, starting what would become decades of involvement in youth sports. He spent countless hours coaching, encouraging, and supporting young athletes, finding great joy in helping them grow both on and off the field. Ryan was also a devoted fan of the Kansas State Wildcats and the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed many activities that allowed him to be outside with family and friends. One of his favorite traditions was participating in the annual Member-Guest Golf Tournament, where the competition, camaraderie, and memories made were just as important as the game itself. Ryan also treasured the friendships he built throughout his life, especially the lifelong friendship he shared with his best friend, Tony Hoffman.

Ryan and Carla Schulte first knew each other in high school, where Carla often joked that Ryan was the smart one in class. Years later, they reconnected while Carla was showing Ryan houses to buy during his lunch breaks. What began as friendly conversations soon led to a dinner date in Scipio, and the rest was history. The couple was united in marriage on June 14, 1996, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett. Together they were blessed with two children, Spencer and Sammy Jo, who were the pride and joy of Ryan's life.

Ryan was a devoted father who never missed an opportunity to support his children. He spent countless hours attending activities, offering guidance, sharing advice, and creating lasting memories. Becoming a grandfather, affectionately known as "Papa," brought him even greater joy. He deeply loved his grandchildren, Emmy and Rhoda, and treasured every moment spent with them.

Family was at the heart of everything Ryan did. He loved gathering with those he cared about most and took special delight in making holidays memorable. Whether through laughter, thoughtful gestures, or simply being present, Ryan worked hard to ensure those around him felt loved and appreciated.

Ryan will be remembered for his generous spirit, his willingness to help anyone in need, his remarkable talents, and the laughter he brought into the lives of others. His legacy of kindness, hard work, humor, and love for family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe and Dorothy Walter, Bill and Gertrude Hager, Smithy and Linda Walter; aunt Glenda Walter; Dan Bishop; niece Carly Hronek; mother-in-law Rhoda Schulte; father-in-law C.D. Schulte; and brother-in-law Danny Schulte.

Ryan is survived by the love of his life, Carla Walter of Garnett; his son, Spencer Walter and granddaughter Emmy; his daughter, Sammy Jo Katzer and husband Devin of Garnett, and their daughter Rhoda; his mother, Alberta Hager Bishop and Kendall Zwiener of Garnett; his father, Leland Walter and Janice Walter of Kincaid; his sister, Robyne Walter of Garnett; his brothers, Chad Flinn of Greeley and Shane Walter and wife Bree of Garnett and their three children; his aunt Carolyn and her children, Tom and Deanna Wolken and Chuck and Tina Wolken of Garnett; aunt Dorothy of Spokane, Washington, and her children, Bill and Malissa, and Jamie and Ben; uncles John and Paula Walter of Welda and Ronnie Walter of Colony; Jane Schulte of Garnett; brother-in-law Scott Schulte of Garnett; sister-in-law Kim Schulte and husband Ken Flaspholer of Kansas City; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Troyer's Prairie Gold in Garnett, Kansas. Ryan's family will greet friends from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. following the Celebration of Life at Troyer's Prairie Gold, where food and beverages will be served.

Memorials are suggested to Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center and may be left in the care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com