Thomas “Tom” Duane Bryant

Son, friend, husband, father. All of these words can be used to describe the man known as Thomas Duane Bryant and tell the story of the wonderfully rich life he led. Tom came into the world on October 8, 1954 with a story on his lips and almost immediately became friends with everyone he met. Tom, son of Calvin Bryant and Betty Roberts, grew up in the Lawrence and Kansas City area with his brothers Jerry and Ellis. Calvin later married Margaret Turnball, bringing Tom’s brother Tony Turnbull into his life. Tom attended McLouth high school, graduated in 1972, and went on to use his considerable natural talents in the US Navy SeaBees construction corps before going onto a long career in construction and manufacturing. Tom loved to work and was antsy when he didn’t have any projects to work on. When Tom finally retired, instead of fishing all day (which he loved to do) Tom found a job so he could be useful, make use of his long experience in construction and woodworking, and meet new people to chat with. Tom didn’t know a stranger, and would talk with anyone and everyone. He ran into old friends and was constantly making new ones everywhere he went. Tom could fix anything and was always willing to help whenever someone needed it. All you had to do was ask, and Tom was the first one there.

Family was the most important thing in Tom’s life, and he had a lot of it. Tom married his lovely wife Cheryl in 1993, and Cheryl, saint that she is, has put up with his smelly fishing tackle and constant projects for 26 wonderful years. Tom and Cheryl have a grand total of 10 (!) children between them that will carry on his stories: Brian Geiss (Mary-Claire), Kelly Bell (Tanner), Shawndra Rogers (Jimmy), Shelly Cronin (Danny), Amy Westbrook, Joshua LaNave, Ellis Bryant (Kelsey), Danielle Jolliff (Andrew), Karissa Bryant, and Rachel LaNave. From this rather large number of kids, Tom was blessed with 15 grandchildren (with one on the way!) Lyric, Kenyan, Montiahgo, Keighlan, Haedyn, Gwendolyn, Raeanne, Halle, Micah, Owen, Raegan, Ava, Brezlynne, Demi, and Logan, that he would wrap his strong arms around to give big bear hugs every chance he got, tickling them with his mustache when he gave them a big ol’ kiss on the cheek.

Tom Bryant was full of life and always ready to tell a story with a beer in one hand and his other free to slap a knee while laughing. He is almost certainly already making friends and telling a story on the other side of the pearly gates.

Services will be at 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2019 at Warren-McElwain – Eudora Chapel in Eudora, KS. An informal celebration of life will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the VFW hall in Ottawa.

17 Condolences

  1. Ben Erwin on November 26, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    Tom was definitely one of a kind. He was a friend to all that knew him. He touched many lives and those who knew him will never forget him. He loved all of his family but none could match his love for cheryl. Tom your mised more than words can Express. Until we meet again my friend……



  2. Kelly OBrien on November 26, 2019 at 5:29 pm

    Uncle Tom you always had a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye for Cheryl! I will miss you! To my family I love you and be strong for each other!!



  3. Debbie Erwin DArmond on November 26, 2019 at 5:32 pm

    To Tom’s family I am sadden by your loss Tom will be remembered by his love of family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God wrap his loving arms around you all and give you peace and comfort through this difficult time.



  4. Cindy Flippo on November 26, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    Tom was one of a kind…. the words said here in the obituary are the simple truth. Tom was a great friend and a wonderful example of how men should be. He truly touched every life he was in contact with regardless of age. Im certain Calvin, Betty and Margaret were right there to embrace him when God called him home.
    Sending prayers to all of the family as you grieve Tom’s passing but celebrate the wonderful life he shared with all of us.



  5. Kare Parsons on November 26, 2019 at 6:36 pm

    What a wonderful tribute to Tom who was loved by all. He will be missed and his humor remembered. God bless his wonderful family at this time. Love to you all!
    Karen Parsons-Haupt



  6. Frances Maberry on November 26, 2019 at 9:38 pm

    Tom was a man that truly never knew a stranger. He was one of the kindest and funniest men I ever knew. He loved life and with his family, he lived life to it’s fullest. He had a wonderful spirit. Tom will be missed deeply. Prayers to all the family as you go through this difficult time.



  7. Connie Stroda on November 27, 2019 at 10:30 pm

    Im so very sorry for your loss..Tom was a very good man.



  8. Dayle Hodges on November 28, 2019 at 3:50 am

    Went to Woodlawn with Tom. He was a special, caring friend on Facebook. I miss him already. My most sincere condolences to his family.



  9. Rene McQuinn on November 30, 2019 at 8:48 pm

    Tom is remembered for his love for his family and his beautiful wife Cheryl.



  10. Judi Rounsville on December 1, 2019 at 12:02 am

    Tom will be much missed here at Wilderness Oaks RV Park. He always had a smile, wave, and was always willing to help. Prayers for the family.



  11. Kenna Rothwell on December 2, 2019 at 2:48 pm

    Growing up his mom.was my sitter do I saw him everyday for nearly 2 years as a small child . He was my best friend then we grew apart. Whenever I ran into him here and there it never felt like a day had been missed
    Your smile was infectious and kind.



  12. Debra Straughn on December 2, 2019 at 3:58 pm

    ???? I’m so sorry for your loss My thought’s and ???????? go out to his family and friend’s God Bless



  13. Cash Hyatt on December 2, 2019 at 8:14 pm

    My condolences I’ve known Tom ever since we were little kids ,we were cousins by marriage , ( My oldest Brother Hurshel Freeman was married to Shirley Higgins I remember us running around North Lawrence Tom always made things fun, good memories I’m sure he will give his uncle Hurshel a big hug and a hand shake !!



  14. Brandon Wright on December 2, 2019 at 9:45 pm

    Tom was a wonderful man and taught me a lot when we worked together at the city of Ottawa. The world was better for him in it. My sincerest condolences.



  15. LeeAnn Roberts on December 3, 2019 at 10:46 am

    My last online conversation with my step-brother Tom was about retirement and using the Senior National Park pass. The next park I visit will be in your honor. My condolences for your family’s loss.



  16. Owen Geiss on February 8, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    He was an amazing grandfather and an amazing person. I loved him so much and I am sad to see him go. He will forever live in my heart.



  17. Iris Cripe-Eng on October 9, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    Though I am just now finding this, it makes me really SAD to read this 🙁 “Tommy”and I went to Woodlawn Elementary school from kindergarten to 6th grade. He told me one time, “You are my longest friendship.” He had a heart of gold. I enjoyed his friendship pretty much my entire life. I will miss you my Buddy. God bless your family and I hope he did you too. With much love and thankfulness for having known you.



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