John Rylee, 76, of Odessa, died on Thursday, March 12, 2009, in a Houston hospital. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, March 23, 2009 in the chapel at First United Methodist Church in Odessa with Rev. Jeanie Williams, Associate Pastor, officiating.He was born on February 11, 1933, in Hood County, Texas and married Sue Wagner on December 8, 2006 in Ruidoso, New Mexico.John was a member of the Civil Air Patrol while he lived in Marfa, and worked for Gandy's as a milkman, before being transferred to Odessa. In the early 1960's, he founded and operated Rykin Pump Company for many years until he retired. He also owned and operated Speed Valley Farms of Gardendale, where he raised quarter horses.Survivors include his wife, Sue Rylee of Odessa; one son, Russell Rylee of Redding, California; two granddaughters, Kym Angulo and husband Rafael and Katherine Carlson and husband Erick, all of Redding, California; 6 great granddaughters; two step children, Will Wagner of Maryville, Missouri and Wren Sanchez of Orlando, Florida; one brother, C.O. Price of Hobbs, New Mexico; and two nieces, Anne Crawley of Lovington, New Mexico and Donna Schulmann of Odessa.He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.The family suggests memorials be made to the Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo Scholarship Fund, 218 W. 46th St, Odessa, Texas 79764.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,