Ryan Dean Haxton was born at Geary County Hospital in Junction City, KS on March 4th, 1994, to Patrick and Melanie Haxton. When Ryan was four the family moved to Salina, KS where Ryan attended grade school and HS at Southeast of Saline Schools in Gypsum. Ryan graduated from SES in 2012. Ryan was very involved in several different activities while in school including a lead part in the school play as a senior. Ryan’s passion in HS was FCCLA where Ryan was a State Officer and was very active in the SES chapter. Ryan loved SES and his teachers and ALL of them played an integral part in Ryan’s young life.
After HS, Ryan attended Kansas State University and in 2016 earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Leadership Studies. Ryan accepted a job out of college with Civic Plus in Manhattan. In 2018 Ryan decided to continue his education and enrolled at FHSU. In 2020 Ryan earned his Master’s degree in Higher Education Student Affairs. Shortly after this Ryan began to work at FHSU as an Academic Advising Development Specialist, where he worked until his passing.
Ryan was incredibly close to his family and spent any free time he had enjoying time with them. He lit up every room he walked in with his smile, joy and quick wit. Those that loved him knew him for his wonderful personality and the support he gave everyone he encountered. He was kind, passionate and his contagious laugh will never be forgotten.
He is survived by his parents, Pat and Melanie Haxton of WaKeeney, two brothers Alex and Taylor both of WaKeeney and a sister, Lexus of WaKeeney. Two Grandmothers, Marceil Haxton of WaKeeney and Alice Guthrie of Salina. He was preceded in death by two grandpas, Dean Haxton and Lyman Guthrie.
Funeral Services will be Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center on the campus of Fort Hays State University - Hays. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until service time at the Performing Arts Center. Interment will follow the services in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery - Hays.
A Celebration of Life reception will be held in Ryan's honor at The Strand in downtown Hays located at 1102 Main Street following graveside services and will last until 4:00 PM. The reception will have a meal and refreshments, and family and friends will be gathering to enjoy time together and remember such a wonderful guy who will be greatly missed."
Memorial contributions are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Please make contributions payable to Pat and/or Melanie Haxton. Donations may be sent in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Services in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Street Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]