Lcdr Jon L. Rylander, Us Navy (Ret.)

LCDR Jon L. Rylander, USN (Ret.), 77, entered into rest on Friday, November 20, 2015.

Jon was born on September 2, 1938, in Manchester, Connecticut to the late Norman and Helen Erickson Rylander. After retiring from his service in the United States Navy, Jon worked as a program manager for Northrop Grumman. He was of the Methodist faith. Jon was preceded in death by two grandsons, Richie and Dylan.

Jon's life consisted of many chapters, beginning with his childhood in Connecticut, to his days as a referee at the local skating rink, to his distinguished Navy career which took him to countless places, to his eventual settlement in middle Georgia. Aside from his family, his proudest accomplishment was serving over 30 years as a decorated U.S. Naval Sailor, beginning in the enlisted ranks, eventually being awarded a commission as an officer, and ultimately retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. His Naval career was a cornerstone of his life, shaping him in many ways – his discipline and pride were evident throughout his life.

However, his love for family came first and foremost, his children being his proudest life's work. His love for all of his children was clear, his support never ending, and his pride unmistakable. His love for his beloved wife Susan was unwavering, and his protection fierce. They shared a devotion that carried them through many years, supporting each other through countless storms – yet enjoying a lifetime of abundant sunshine. Some of his happiest days were spent with Susan, especially their times at the beach together, enjoying each other's company and companionship – chairs side by side, smiling, books in hand, talking, enjoying a sunny day together. To him, this was happiness.

His other passion was golf. To call it a hobby would be an insult. No amount of bad weather or objection could keep him from his happy green place, attempting to perfect his swing for many years with his "golf buddies", particularly one named Shannon whose friendship quickly became treasured. "Friendship" eventually became "family."

Jon was a man of few words, yet a man of many words – particularly when politics were involved. If you were on his side, you got a pat on the back and a knowing wink. If you were on the wrong side, he would still find a way to like you.

Endearingly referred to as "Papa Jon" by his many grandchildren, the name eventually stuck. Whether he liked it or not (most suspect he liked it), the name took on a life of its own. He began being addressed as Papa Jon by his children, family, and even friends of the family. He was a Papa to so many, protecting and loving those he cared about as only a Papa can.

Those who were fortunate enough to have known Jon would use these words to describe him: loving, patient, selfless, generous, and caring. These words were the essence of who he was. No matter what, his family knew without doubt or hesitation that they could count on him. The proverbial rock of the family – the first to give a hug, the last to judge, always willing to forgive. He will always be remembered for many things – his sly wit, his enjoyment of life, his ability to make others smile, his penchant for telling a really great Navy story, but most of all for his enormous heart and his wonderful spirit, which touched all that he knew, and will live on in us always.

Jon's memory will forever be treasured by his devoted wife of 17 years, Susan Mallory Rylander; his daughters, Leslie Scannell of New Port Richey, Florida and Mallory Lumbra of Kathleen, Georgia; his sons, David Rylander (Dina) of Collierville, Tennessee, Michael Rylander (Sara) of Acworth, Georgia, Jon Leslie Rylander II (Emily) of Byron, Georgia, John Mitchell Jr. (Celeste) of Kennesaw, Georgia, Rob Mitchell of Warner Robins, and Kyle Mitchell (Reney) of Kathleen, Georgia; his grandchildren, Dakota, Sydnee, Chad, Jordan, Erica, Avery, Zoe, Cali, Sloan, Jocelyn, Kayla, Carly, Haylee, Ryan, Hayes, and Mary Charles; his sister Joyce Erickson Rylander; his brother Richard Rylander; his brothers-in-law, Terrell Mallory (Glenda) and John Paul Mallory; and his niece Ginger Mallory.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2015, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of LCDR Jon Leslie Rylander to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Please go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with LCDR Rylander's arrangements.


Funeral Home:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088