Obituary of Richard W. Bryant

Richard W. Bryant, 59 of rural Oxford, died Thursday, February 28, 2013, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Iowa City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at the Grace United Methodist Church in Tiffin, with Military Honors to follow. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 pm Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Richard's memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Richard was born April 17, 1953, in Iowa City the son of Jean and Eileen (Shebetka) Bryant. Growing up in Oxford, Richard attended schools in the Clear Creek District, graduating with the class of 1971. He enlisted with the Iowa National Guard after graduation and when he had retired from the guard in 2005 he had served 34 years. Known as "Tank" to many, he was called into active duty in the Army during Desert Storm serving in the Middle East as First Sergeant of the 209th Medical Company. His fulltime job was working for the Johnson County Secondary Road Department, for over 35 years. He taught his motor grader skills through Iowa State University's Master Grader program for nearly 20 years. And having grown up in a farming family, this continued on both on their own acreage and by assisting family with other farming operations, always willing to help in the field, machine shop, or barnyard! He was an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church; this is where he married Debra Ann Walker on May 20, 1973. He served as a trustee for many years, was one of the go-to guys when something needed a little TLC, he could fix anything or knew the person that could. Richard was also very active in the Oxford American Legion, holding various offices, including Sgt. of Arms for many years and most recently, served as its commander. As a youth, he attended Boys State, a Legion-sponsored event, and remained a strong supporter, serving as a board member and medical support staff. Many will remember him as one of the "Chain Gang" at Clear Creek Amana Football Games, seldom missing a home game in over 30 years of serving. He was also a past president of the Clear Creek Booster Club. He enjoyed the outdoors; especially hunting with his black powder shot gun, rifle, or bow, but had also done trapping and coon hunting in the past. He was a longtime Green Bay Packer Backer, and was able to see them play a game in St. Louis. But near and dear to Richard was his family, he would do anything for anyone one of them and did it often. Those who will miss him most are his wife, Debbie; daughters, Dessie Myers (Mike) of Tiffin; Dena Dietzler (Bryan) of Oxford; sons, Rex and Bart both of Oxford; grandchildren, Ian and Audrey Myers; and Cora and Jocelyn Bult; his siblings, JoAnne Downes (Dan) of Oxford, Janet Whaley of Stanwood, Jim Bryant (Cathlene) of Parnell; Randy Bryant (Sandy) of Oxford; Janelle Campbell (David) of Oxford; and Keith Bryant of Williamsburg, parents-in-law Ivan & Nona Walker, brother-in-law Mike (Liz) Walker, sister-in-law Linda (Roscoe) Osbron, numerous nieces, nephews, fellow servicemen, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Alex Richard Myers; and a brother-in-law, Victor Whaley. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Richard's family and his services.