By Nicole Hamilton
Enquirer staff writer

WALTON - In a 1977 Enquirer article, George W. "Ab" Ryan described himself as a "Boone Countian, Kentuckian, Democrat and an Irish Catholic." And he said he was proud to be all of them.

The former mayor of Walton took his first trip to Ireland in 1977 and located the church where his grandfather had been baptized. When he returned to Walton, he opened Steve's Pub, homage to Walton-born jockey Steve Cauthen - modeling it after the traditional ones he visited in Ireland.

"He loved being a part of the community. He really cared about Walton - just very outgoing and friendly and community-minded," said his son, Russ Ryan of Walton.

George Ryan died June 25 at St. Elizabeth South Medical Center South in Edgewood of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The lifelong Walton resident was 81.

Born on Beaver Road in Walton, he was raised in a two-room house and attended a one-room school.

He left high school when his father became ill, and he and his brother went into the tavern business beginning in the 1940s when they opened Shamrock Inn and later Ryan Brothers Restaurant.

Mr. Ryan served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Walton, and eventually opened Ryan Hardware and Dry goods, Ryan Hardware and Implement and Ryan Lawn & Garden.

"He always loved farming, and I think running businesses like the ones he did let him be closer to the land," his son said.

A longtime member of Walton City Council, he ran for mayor in 1981 and won a close race against William King.

His son said his father was pivotal in the development of the town's sewage system during his tenure as mayor.

Mr. Ryan was a former Boone County Magistrate and past president of the Boone County Democratic executive committee.

He was also a member of All Saints Church in Walton.

His wife, Betty Ryan, and a daughter, Debbie Ryan Rich, died previously.

Besides his son, other survivors include three grandchildren.

Services have been held.

Burial was in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Verona.

Memorials can be made to St. Joseph's Academy, 48 Needmore St., Walton, 41094.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com