NELSONVILLE, Ohio — Robert Dell Rhyan, 70, died the morning of Feb. 1, 2024, at his home in Nelsonville, Ohio. Born January 13, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, Rob was the son of the late Ruth Ann Rhyan and Delbert Wesley Rhyan. He was a 1972 graduate of Westerville High School and later attended Hocking College, graduating in 1981.
Rob’s affinity for the outdoors lead him to his career as an engineering technician for the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) based out of the Athens Soil and Water Conservation District (ASWCD). He prided himself on his service to naturalists, farmers, landowners, and conservationists throughout Southeast Ohio for 30 years before retiring in 2011.
Rob spent his life and retirement enjoying the outdoors. He could tell a bird by its call, a tree by its bark, a plant by its leaf, and a soil by its texture.
Rob never met a stranger, gave when he had nothing for himself, and loved beyond measure. He spent his last years as a steward of Nelsonville and was honored to become a welcomed member of that community.
He is survived by his two brothers, Danny and Jay Rhyan, and his sister Kathy Smith; his former wife, Kay McConnell Rhyan; sons Lucas and Taylor Rhyan; daughter-in-law Olivia deLaval; and his cherished grandsons, Finley and Bodhi deLaval-Rhyan, as well as his many nieces and nephews.
A memorial reception to celebrate Rob’s life will be held Saturday, March 9, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Dairy Barn Arts Center, 8000 Dairy Lane, Athens, OH 45701.
Arrangements by Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St, Nelsonville. Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com.
