John Walter Bryan
John Walter Bryan, 83, of Breckenridge, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. John’s interment ceremony will take place at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, Texas, on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, beginning at 11:00 a.m. His funeral service will follow, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at the Elliot Street Church of Chris, with Tommy Wolfe officiating.
John was born in 1938 in Perryton, Texas, to Bernard Walter and Leona Elizabeth (Anderson) Bryan. He attended Texas Christian University and remained a life-long TCU fan. He also proudly served in the U.S. Army. John married Clarita Gray on July 18, 1992. He was a Funeral Director who found purpose in helping families successfully navigate the loss of a loved one. He faithfully served the Breckenridge Community at Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home for many years. John’s final act on this earth was guiding his own family through his final arrangements. John was a long-time member of Elliott Street Church of Christ, where he enjoyed worshiping, serving, and spending time with fellow members.
John was preceded in death by his parents, BW and Leona Bryan; brother, Bernard Dale Bryan; sister, Connie Kay Pearson; and daughter, Michelle Martynuik.
His survivors include his wife, Clarita Bryan of Breckenridge, Texas; daughter, Debbie Dowdy and husband Cliff of Montrose, Colorado; son, David Gray and wife Jan of Tulsa, Oklahoma; son, Michael Bryan of Fort Worth, Texas; son, Shawn Bryan of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Renee Gray, Jarrott Dowdy, Connie Goad, and Bryan Dowdy; great-grandchildren, Aubrey Linkman, Allison, Dowdy, Camden Dowdy, Liam Dowdy, Lily Goad, and Evie Dowdy.
Pallbearers for John’s service will be Mark Fambro, Joe High, Mike Loggains, Brian Masters, Elton Masters, Lee Olson, Terry Pringle, and Blake Thomasson – all brothers in Christ.
Memorial donations in John’s name can be made to Solaris Hospice and can be left at the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home office. Condolences may be made online at meltonkitchens.com.
