At just 24, Ryan Thorman has already established himself as a licensed funeral director in Macomb, carving out a career defined by compassion, dedication, and deep community ties.
Ryan grew up in a large family in McDonough County. His parents, Mike and Daphne, raised five children— Ryan is the youngest, with brothers Brent and Lucas and sisters Jessica and Courtney. A 2019 graduate of Macomb High School, Ryan was active in the school’s FFA chapter. Initially, he planned to pursue accounting and enrolled at Western Illinois University. But when the COVID-19 pandemic shifted classes online, Ryan realized accounting wasn’t the right fit.
Around that time, McDonough County Coroner and funeral director Eric Jameson noticed Ryan’s calm, polite demeanor and eagerness to learn during a funeral service. Recognizing Ryan’s potential, Jameson spoke with his mother about career opportunities in funeral services.
That conversation led Ryan to begin working at Dodsworth-Piper Wallen Funeral Home. Though new to the profession, the farm kid quickly embraced the demanding work of supporting families during some of their most difficult moments.
Ryan’s strong roots in McDonough County have been a significant asset. Whether through family connections or community involvement—including his participation at the Macomb Municipal Airport—he knows many locals personally or by association.
He enrolled in the two-year Mortuary Science program at Carl Sandburg College, graduating in 2023 from a class that began with 30 students but graduated only 13.
After completing his internship and a year under supervision, Ryan earned his permanent funeral director license. Now, not yet 25, he is one of four employees at Dodsworth-Piper Wallen and Martin-Hollis funeral homes.
Ryan acknowledges the challenges of the profession: it demands 24/7 availability, long visitations, and sometimes working holidays. Still, he finds the work deeply rewarding.
In addition to funeral directing, Ryan serves as a deputy coroner under Eric Jameson. He hopes to eventually succeed Jameson in that role.
Outside work, Ryan enjoys flying. He earned his private pilot’s license after lessons with Lee Cobb and the late Jerry Winters. With over 100 hours logged, flying remains a passion, though not a career goal. His love for aviation began with a complimentary flight with Duane Sorrells in 2017.
As the youngest sibling, Ryan delights in spoiling his nieces and nephews and supporting them at their athletic events. He lives comfortably in the upper quarters of the funeral home in Bushnell and is active in Jerusalem United Methodist Church and the Macomb FFA Alumni.
Keep an eye on Ryan Thorman. With his polished presence and deep community ties, he’s already accomplished much and is poised for a meaningful future in Macomb’s funeral and coroner services.
Ryan truly is an “old soul” — shaped by family, community, and early responsibility — building his own path in a demanding profession.
