June 13 (UPI) --After living a life of secrecy, a decorated Vietnam veteran came out as gay in his obituary. Army Col. Edward Thomas ... but he wasn't one that would come right out and say anything ...

"I was gay all my life," said the message he wrote for his obituary. "Now that my secret is known, I'll forever rest in peace ...

Retired from a career in service — as a U.S. Army colonel ... lines of his obituary written in his own words, Ryan says, "I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as Gay.

Col. Edward Thomas Ryan was 85 when he died on June 1, according to his niece. A military veteran who ... "I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as Gay. I was afraid of being ostracized ...