Obituaries

Donald Gilbert Bryan

Photo of Donald  Gilbert Bryan
Donald Gilbert Bryan, 80, of Jefferson City, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 6, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Donald was born on May 12, 1941, in Jefferson City, a son of the late William G. and Dorothy M. (Wheat) Bryan. Donald was united in marriage on February 2, 1960, to Mary Irene Etzel, who preceded him in death on September 10, 2002. He found love again and was united in marriage on January 2, 2003, to Margaret J. Wimmer, who survives at the home. Donald was a lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area and attended Southwest School. He grew up on the family homestead on the land known to many as "Goat Hill" where he would eventually own the family home. Donald was a very hard worker and spent 42 years with the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department, retiring in 1996. He was part owner of Bryan and Diemler Excavating and also helped his brother, Red, at Bryan's Mobile Home Transporting. On weekends, he could be found fishing and relaxing with his family on the banks of the Osage River in Bonnets Mill. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and attending auctions and garage sales. On many occasions, Donald would road-trip with son, Darrel, each being an adventure. Most of all, Donald enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his sweethearts. Donald is survived by his wife of 18 years: Margaret; his canine companion: Little Bit; four children: Deanna Wells (Layne) of Wichita, Kan., Donald "Dean" Bryan (Lisa) of Jefferson City, Mike Bryan (Dawn) of Jefferson City and Darrel Bryan (Dana) of Jefferson City; three stepchildren: Curtis Wheat (Ruth) of Hartsburg, Randy Wheat of Camdenton and Margie Cook (Jim) of Camdenton; one brother: Clarence "Red" Bryan; five sisters: Glenda "Blondie" Moeller, Delores "Jean" Moeller, Barbara Morff, Doris Giesing, and Mary Lou McMillan; grandchildren: Heather Barrier, Ryan Elting, Galen Salmons, Cliffton Salmons, Samantha Knierim, Bradley Bryan, Donald "Jesse" Bryan, Shelby Bryan, Naomi Bryan, Harley Bryan and Destiny Bryan; step- grandchildren: Tasha Berger, Curtis Wheat Jr., Quinton Cook and Trenton Cook and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: LaDonna Jean Bryan-Salmons; brother: Ronnie Bryan and sister: Ola Mae Falter. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Longview Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Camp Wonderland. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.

Published June 9, 2021