Ryan Donald Haxton, 26, died Jan. 12, 2010, at his home in Kinsley.
He was born Dec. 28, 1983, at the Edwards County Hospital, Kinsley, the son of Rod and Marsha (Rose) Haxton.
He attended Kinsley schools through the fifth grade, moving to Scott City as a sixth grader. He was a student at Scott City Middle School for one year before attending Kansas State School for the Blind, Kansas City, for the next five years. He returned to Scott City and graduated from Scott Community High School in 2002.
While attending KSSB, Ryan was an outstanding athlete in track and wrestling.
During his junior year he was a 125-pound champion in the North Central Association of Schools for the Visually Handicapped. States represented in the NCASVH included: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
In his four previous conference appearances, Ryan claimed three runner-up finishes and a third place medal.
He was also a two-time conference champion in the 1600 meter tandem race and was a multiple track champion in the 600m run.
During his sophomore season, he and Brian Pope combined to win the tandem race which secured the Kansas school it’s first conference title in more than 35 years.
“We won the conference track title because of Ryan’s ability to push Brian Pope to run faster,” recalls former coach and athletic director Janet Reynolds. “‘Win it for the coach’ Ryan said, but he won much more that day. He also won respect from the team and coaches.”
Ryan grew up in the newspaper business at The Kinsley Mercury and later as distribution manager for The Scott County Record, Scott City.
Ryan loved music and dancing and he was able to enjoy both as the owner and operator of Ry-Dogg Entertainment DJ service for 11 years. He got a laugh out of referring to himself as the “dancing DJ.” He also enjoyed going to many concerts with his family in Kansas City and Denver, ranging from Aerosmith, to Tom Petty, Rolling Stones and many more.
In addition, Ryan had a passion for Kansas State University sports and Scott Community High School sports. He was “the No. 1 Beavers fan.”
Because of his love for SCHS and Scott City sports, the family suggests memorials may be sent to the Ryan Haxton SCHS Field House Memorial Fund in care of the Scott Community Foundation, 303 Court, Scott City, Ks. 67871.