Edwin C. Bryan, 90, of rural Decatur, passed away Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at the Christian Care Retirement Community in Bluffton.
Ed was born April 30, 1931 in Decatur, to William V. Bryan and Rhea Hope Byerly Bryan.
On June 14, 1952, he married Bonnie Lou Gaunt. She preceded him in death February 5, 2013.
Ed was a member of the Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren. After graduating from Lancaster High School, he attended Manchester (College) University and then earned his master’s degree in education at Ball State University.
He was employed at Adams Central Community Schools from 1960 to 1989, serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director and principal. He also worked as a farmer on the Bryan family homestead. Upon retirement from his career in education, he enjoyed spending time at Pretty Lake and volunteering with the Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministries in response to hurricanes, tornadoes and fires. Throughout his life he most enjoyed simply sharing in the lives of those around him whether they were family, friend, co-worker or stranger. Throughout his life he was an active member of the Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren, serving in roles such as teacher, board member and deacon.
He is survived by his daughter, Lisa (John) Schmitt of New Albany; his son, Nathaniel “Nat” (Juanita) Bryan of Bluffton; and his granddaughters, Jennifer (Jay) Reynolds, Allison Schmitt, and Natalia Bryan. Ed has two great-granddaughters, Charlotte Reynolds and Eliana Reynolds. He is also survived by a sibling, Marilyn (Bryan) Spensley of Erie, Pa.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Ed was preceded in death by his sons, Jonathan Clair Bryan and Edwin Charles “Chad” Bryan.
Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at the Haggard-Sefton-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren with Pastor Jay Carter officiating. There will be additional calling from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Dale Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to the Adams Central Community Schools or Pleasant Dale Church.
The Haggard-Sefton-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.