Gary Dean Bryant, 73, May 4, 2023
Gary was born on September 29, 1949, in Kansas City, MO, the son of William Bryant Jr. and Eleanor Irene Bryant. He passed away at the Kansas City Veteran's Affairs Hospital on May 4, 2023.
After graduating from William Chrisman High School in the class of 1967, he went on to attend college at Missouri State University.
Gary was a man of strong conviction and service. From college, he joined the military as a Chief Clerk, rising to the rank of Technical Sergeant for the US Air Force. He served for 16 years before retiring.
His service brought him to ventures near and far from home. When at the Philippines, he met and fell in love with Emily Garciano. They married on June 1, 1984.
Gary was also a man with a strong sense of community. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Proud of his Kansas City roots, Gary was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He had numerous collections of Royals baseball cards and Chiefs memorabilia. These collections included figurines, statues, and even McDonald’s happy meal toys. Gary liked to collect valuable things. His house was decked with various displays of foreign currency, antiques, stamps, boxes of cereal, and beanie babies.
Unquestionably a man of duty and community, Gary's strongest sense of service, however, was towards his family. He petitioned and welcomed his wife's brothers and sisters to the US, helping them create a better life. Though he loved collecting knick knacks and trinkets, his favorite hobby was talking to his nephews and nieces. He also loved talking to his friends Charles Schroeder, David Bunten, Dr. Joseph P. Bassi, Phil Tate, Ron Wilson, Tom Klumb, and Robie Mathews, from high school and the Air Force alike. Gary had an unyielding eye for value, and family and friends were the most valuable to him.
Gary is survived by his wife, Emily, his sister Kathleen, and his cousins Beth Anne and Colleen Rhinesmith.
He was preceded in death by parents William Bryant Jr. and Eleanor Irene Bryant.
A visitation and funeral will be held on May 12, 2023 at 9am-10am, at Carson Speaks. He will be laid to rest in Mound Grove Cemetery.