Donald J. Bryant “Pampa”
10/28/1923-05/20/2016
Donald James Bryant born to the late Elsie R. Bryant and Guy O. Bryant in Brentwood, Mo.
As a young man Don enjoyed playing baseball and entertaining on the piano. An accomplished ball player, Don played semi pro ball for the St. Louis Redbirds, later known as the St. Louis Cardinals.
Drafted in 1945 during WW2, Don was first assigned to the Army War College in Washington D.C., then sent to Cairo, Egypt as an MP. Staff Sergeant at discharge.
Returning to St. Louis, Don had been a storekeeper for the MKT railroad before moving his family to California, where he continued his career as a buyer for J-M Manufacturing.
Ending his career with the City Of Stockton as purchasing agent, Don earned many accolades, including being the first certified auctioneer for the City Of Stockton, graduating from the Missouri School Of Auctioneering, earning the title Of “Colonel Bryant.”
Don was past president of the CAPA, California Association of Purchasing Agents.
Don could be heard on numerous occasions tickling the keys, playing at various venues in Stockton and the Bay Area for his professional meetings. He continued his piano playing days at Arbor Senior Living, entertaining friends and family with his command of the piano and playing in the Senior Follies in Lodi.
Dad and Mom enjoyed nearly 61 years of marriage, traveling throughout the U.S., Europe, Canada and the Orient. The most fun was their regular trips to Jackson Rancheria, where they made numerous friends and hit a few jackpots.
Predeceased by his loving wife, Virginia L. Bryant In 2010. Predeceased by siblings, Guy O. Bryant, Kenneth Bryant, June Strassner and Janet Grunewald.
Survived by children, Dona Kendall (Walter) Terre Haute, Ind., Guy Bryant (Tracy) Stockton, Kathy Cockayne (Jeff) Woodbridge.
Grandchildren, James Kendall, Terre Haute, Ind., Janis Spurgeon (Steve) Camby, Ind.,
Robert Quaschnick, DDS (Lolita) Lodi, Christine Starnes and Guy Bryant of Charleston, S.C., Step grandchildren, Chris and Robert Canale.
Great grandchildren, Ceci, Lewis, Logan and Lucas Spurgeon, Kennedy and Cameron Quaschnick.
Thank you, Dr. Schilling and Shelly for your good care, and a special thank you to Arbor Senior Living for making Dad’s last day so fun for him.
“Love ya to pieces” Give Mom a hug.
SERVICES
Services are scheduled for Wednesday, June 29th, 1:00 pm, at Evergreen Chapel, Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, California.