Edward Bryant Obituary

Edward Irving Bryant, 89, died Friday, June 29, 2007 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Ed was born September 23, 1917 in Lockney, Texas. He graduated from Lockney High School in 1936. His parents and siblings moved to Pagosa Springs during the depression and dust bowl. The family then settled at a farm on the mesa of Fountain, Colorado. Starting in 1942, he served in the Army Air Corp in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He was discharged in December 1945 and married Irene Clara Goodsell of Fountain on June 12, 1946. Ed worked many years on several farms in the Colorado Springs and Fountain area, including the ranch at Fountain Valley School where he organized a work crew for some of the students. He was employed by the Soil Conservation Service as well. In 1963, the Bryant family moved to town when Ed began working for the El Paso County Highway Department. During his 15 plus years with the department he progressed from an equipment operator to foreman and retired as the right-of-way engineer in 1979. After retiring, Ed and Irene enjoyed traveling in their motor home with many trips across the United States visiting family and friends and making new friends along the way. They moved to Colorado Springs in 1986 and were active members of Wilson United Methodist Church and the YAH group. Public service was a part of Ed's life as a school board member of Security - Widefield District #3; served 10 years on the City Council of Fountain; in addition to four years as mayor. In 1972, Ed was elected as a Republican legislator for the Colorado State House of Representatives and served a two year term. Ed was the last living charter member of the Security Lions Club and V.F.W. Post #6461. Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Irene, of 51 years. Irene was a devoted loving wife and caring mother. Also preceding Ed in death were his parents, Rowland and Minnie Bryant; brother, Raymond Bryant and sisters, Laura Ruth Battin and Katherine Brewster. He is survived by sister, Margaret (Barney) White of Clarksville, Virginia; daughters, Evelyn (Wayne) Weldon of Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Beverly Paillette of Puyallup, Washington; and one son, Edward E.R. (Linda) Bryant of Lake Kiowa, Texas. Also surviving are ten grand children; Hubert Weldon of Chicago, Illinois; Gwen Colwell of Seattle, Washington; and James, Eddie, Joey, Austin, William, David, Tucker and Daniel (all Bryant) of Lake Kiowa, Texas. Visitation will be held Monday, July 2, 2007 from 5-6:30 p.m., Swan Law Funeral Home. Services will take place Tuesday, July 3, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Swan Law Cascade Chapel, 501 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 S. Hancock Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colorado. Donations may be made in Edward's memory to Frontier Hospice, 729 N. Tejon Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. "Their help and compassion to Ed during his last six months is so appreciated by the family." Donations may also be made to Namaste, V.F.W. Post #6461 and the Security Lions Club.