Ryan Thomas DeLarber, age 41, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away unexpectedly December 23, 2025, in Oklahoma City. He was born on October 16, 1984, in St. Louis, Missouri. Ryan lived a life defined by service, compassion, and dedication to others.
Ryan graduated from Oakville High School in St. Louis, Missouri in 2003 and then enlisted in the United States Air Force on July 17, 2003, and served a total of 22 years of military service. He served as a Security Forces Defender. After completing Basic Military Training and Security Forces Technical Training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, he was assigned to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, where he served from 2004 to 2014.
Throughout his career, Ryan completed four deployments: two deployments to Iraq from 2004 to 2006, during which he was attached to the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and received the Army Commendation Medal; a deployment to Saudi Arabia in 2009; and a deployment to the United Arab Emirates from 2013 to 2014. Over the course of his service, Ryan earned 11 medals, 6 ribbons, and 4 awards, reflecting his dedication, professionalism, and exceptional performance.
In 2014, following his active-duty service, Ryan joined an Air Force Special Operations unit with the Oklahoma Air National Guard at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6) and wore his uniform with pride.
Ryan’s commitment to service extended beyond his military duties. He served as the Child and Youth Program Coordinator at the Kansas National Guard Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) in Topeka, Kansas, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and teenagers who admired and respected him. For his dedication and leadership, he received Air Force Commendation Medals, including recognition for his outstanding performance as a recruiter, achieving the highest recruitment levels in many years.
Ryan devoted significant time and energy to honoring fallen service members and supporting veterans facing mental health challenges. He ensured battlefield crosses were delivered to Gold Star families, offering comfort, remembrance, and respect during moments of profound loss. His work reflected a deep commitment to honoring sacrifice and fostering healing within the military and veteran community.
Beyond service, Ryan’s greatest pride was his children. He is survived by his son, Ashton DeLarber, who followed in his footsteps by joining the United States Army and serves as a Specialist (E-4), and his daughter, Addie DeLarber. He is also survived by his father, Dale DeLarber and wife Christine DeLarber; his mother, Joan Davis; his brother, Chris DeLarber; his sister, Katy DeLarber; his step-brother, Matt James and wife Ginny James; his step-sister Melanie Eskew and husband Mark Eskew; his niece, Kynsie Couvillion; and his beloved dog, Bucca, a constant and cherished companion.
He is further survived by his uncles, Kevin Short, Stephen Manche, and Raymond DeLarber, Jr; his aunts, Janet Short, Mary Kinney, Gail Manche, and Lystra DeLarber; and many cousins and friends that were dear to him.
Ryan was known for his compassion, kindness, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He had a love for acting and appeared in Tulsa King and Twisters. He also enjoyed cooking, hunting, fishing, boating, archery, golf, and other outdoor activities.
Whether serving others, supporting fellow veterans, or pursuing creative passions, Ryan gave fully of himself. He had a heart of gold, was a tireless worker, wore his uniform proudly, and was always willing to go the extra mile for others. Ryan Thomas DeLarber will be remembered as a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a true American Airman. He will rest in peace as a hero.
Services: Visitation will be held Thursday, January 29th, 2026 from 2PM to 8PM at Kutis Funeral Home located at 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. St Louis, MO 63129.
Funeral will be held Friday, January 30th, 2026 from 10:30AM to 11:30AM at the above address, followed by burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.