Melvin Ryan Jernigan was born on January 11, 1939, in Lindsay, Oklahoma, to Willie Van Jernigan and Verna Victoria Jernigan (Mayo). He grew up in Bethany and attended Putnam City High School, graduating with the Pirate Class of 1957. After high school, Ryan joined the workforce at Western Electric.

In 1961 he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was deployed to Germany during the building of the Berlin Wall.

Once his time in the Army came to an end, he returned home and went to work holding various jobs at the U.S. Postal Service, the railroad, OK Typewriter and Tinker Air Force Base. His longest career consisted of warehouse work for OESCO from 1983 to 2004.

Ryan met the love of his life, Brenda Karen Basinger, at an apartment complex where they both lived. They were married on July 19, 1969, in Oklahoma City. They were soon blessed with two daughters and shortly after, made their home in Newcastle in 1975.

Ryan enjoyed watching football and old westerns, but he enjoyed spending time with his family more than anything. He had the opportunity to travel with his wife prior to her illness, visiting Yellowstone, Alaska, Florida, and Arkansas, enjoying the beauty of God’s creation and making memories all the while. He loved seeing his breakfast crew at Jimmy’s Egg each morning and fellowshipping with them.

Above all else, he loved the Lord and cherished his church home at First Baptist in Newcastle. Ryan was the perfect example of a husband, father, grandfather and man of God who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Jernigan, and his nephew, Randy Richardson.

Ryan is survived by: his children, Nancy Williams and husband Robby of Tuttle, and Rebecca Barney and husband Wayne of Tuttle; his siblings, Ray Jernigan and Sandy of Choctaw, Kenny Jernigan and wife Hope of Edmond, and Linda Lee of Newcastle; and his grandchildren, Kaci Williams, Ashlyn Barney, Logan Barney, and Bayley Williams. He also leaves behind his Jimmy’s Egg Crew, and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday March 7, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Newcastle, with burial to follow at Newcastle Memorial Garden. Viewing will be from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 6. The family will receive guests from 5-7 p.m.