Dr. Noel Allen Bryan

 Dr. Noel Allen Bryan, age 97, passed from this life on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Noel was born December 26, 1927, in Richmond, Texas, to Benjamin Franklin and Gipsy Louise (Ashley) Bryan. He was the youngest of nine children. His mother was widowed at age 47. Noel and his siblings helped her on the family farm. 

 While picking cotton at age 9, Noel was inspired to become a veterinarian by watching a young vet named Dr. Ray J. Foshee, who came to the farm to treat a sick milk cow. That day gave Noel a passion that never left him. He later graduated from Richmond High School in 1946. Upon graduation, Noel enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WW2, serving as a Seabee with the 124th Naval Construction Battalion until 1948. He continued as a naval reservist until March 1953. After his active-duty discharge, he entered Texas A&M University on the G.l. bill, earning the distinguished student award each year.

 While working a summer job during college at his brother's gas station in Robstown, Texas, Noel met his future wife, Jean Smothers. Jean would purposely run out all the gas in her car so she could go back and see the handsome Aggie! They married after Noel's graduation from the school of Veterinary Medicine in August 1953. Dr. Bryan and Jean came to Weatherford in 1954 where he began practicing from a small leased building on Church Street. He then built the Weatherford Veterinary Clinic on Mineral Wells Hwy in 1959. For almost 70 years, Dr. Bryan alleviated the suffering and protected the health of countless dairy, farm, and ranch animals, along with small pets. Doc was a legend in his own right, larger than life, with John Wayne grit. He finally retired his license at the age of 94. When asked what he missed most about his work, he said without hesitation "all the people I got to know."

 In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Ada Jean Smothers Bryan; six brothers, Philip, Hampton, Arnold, B.F., Maurice, and Mason; two sisters, Mary D. and Marguerite; twin granddaughter, Hattie Rae; and sister-in-law, Martha Smothers Mobley.

 He is survived by his three daughters, Denise Barksdale (Terry) of Charlotte, Tennessee, Deborah Jones of Yantis, Texas, and Diana Bryan of Weatherford, Texas; three granddaughters, Nicole Carnley (Stephen), Jennifer Jones, and Rachel Crockett; and great grandson, Jaxon Jones.

 The Bryan family would like to acknowledge all the caregivers with Angels among Us and with Gentiva Hospice. God bless you all for the love, care, and compassion you gave Doc. We will be forever grateful.

 A time of visitation will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, and the funeral service the following day, Wednesday, November 12, at 1:00 p.m., both at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, 913 North Elm Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086; burial will follow at East Greenwood Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Noel & Jean Bryan Scholarship at Weatherford College to assist pre-veterinary students.

Arrangements are by Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel. https://www.galbreaithpickard.com/