Ryan Yurchison

NEW MIDDLETOWN ? Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Zion Lutheran Church in New Middletown for Ryan Alexander Yurchison, 27, who died early Saturday morning.

Ryan was born July 21, 1982, in Youngstown to Michael C. Yurchison and the former Cheryl Lynn Fisher.

Ryan was a graduate of Springfield Local High School. Ryan enjoyed riding BMX bikes with his brother Matthew. Ryan and Matthew were instrumental in the design and implementation of the Bike and Skate Park in New Middletown. Ryan also enjoyed playing the drums and listening to 60s and 70s rock music on vinyl as well as amateur videography.

After graduation from high school, Ryan was inspired by his oldest brother, Mike who served our country in the early stages of the war in Iraq. He followed suit and joined the Army. While serving, he spent time in Germany before being deployed to Iraq where he earned a Purple Heart for wounds incurred while serving there. Ryan spent 42 months in Iraq. After returning from the service, he graduated from the Pittsburgh Culinary Institute. Ryan was currently serving with the U.S. Army Reserve 480th, Chemical Detachment.

Ryan was preceded in death by his grandfathers, James Fisher and Atty. Michael Yurchison Sr.

Ryan leaves his mother, Cheryl Daniel DeBow of New Middletown; his father, Michael Deborah Yurchison of Poland; a sister, Shayla Jason Johnson of Manassas, Va.; two brothers, Michael and Matthew Yurchison of New Middletown; grandmothers, Sally Don Evans of New Middletown and Helen Yurchison of Austintown; a niece, Aundie Johnson; and two nephews, Isaiah and Nathan Johnson, all of Manassas; his girlfriend and ?Love of his life,? Carrie Root of New Springfield; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; as well as his K-9 companions, Harley, Taylor and Gucci.

Friends may call Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Poland Chapel.

Friends may also call Friday morning from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.