Kenneth Bryan

Kenneth Bryan, fondly known as "KB", passed away on 29 August 2024 in Dallas, Texas at the age of 92 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Gretchen, sons Kenneth Edward and Douglas Mattson, daughter-in-law Meagan Bryan, and grandchildren Fiona and Kenna Bryan.
KB graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1957. He was rightly proud of his accomplishments there in both the Glee Club and the Pistol Team where he earned the award for the highest ranked college pistol shooter in the nation. He did not win any awards for swimming. Upon graduation, he served his country with distinction in the United States Air Force, earning two Air Medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross for his courageous missions in Soviet airspace.
He met the love of his life, Gretchen, as the wingman on a blind double date with his squadron mate in return for extra takeoffs and landings in the flying club Cessna. Gretchen and KB were married after a whirlwind courtship which resulted in 64 happy years of matrimony filled with raising their boys and enjoying many travels around the world together.
After his military service, KB embarked on a successful career in commercial aviation with American Airlines which brought him to Dallas. He retired in 1992 as the Superintendent of Flight Standards and served as a Chief Pilot for the MD-80, DC-10, and 747 SP aircraft. His dedication and expertise were highly regarded in the aviation community. He greatly enjoyed sharing his love of aviation in his retirement years when he continued volunteering for many years as a docent at the American Airlines museum.
Beyond his professional achievements, KB was a devoted family man, friend, and neighbor. He adopted many inspiring habits in his later years including regular workouts at the YMCA, chopping firewood (especially against doctor's orders), and frequently breaking into song with only the slightest provocation.
His journey continues in the hearts of those he loved and those who loved him. As KB himself might have said, "We have slipped the surly bonds of Earth...put out our hand, and touched the face of God." (John Gillespie Magee Jr.)
A small family memorial service will be held at the DFW National Cemetery. A more public celebration of life will be held later this Fall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in his memory.
Veteran Burial
Thursday, September 12, 2024
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM (EST)
Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery
2000 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, Texas 75211
United States To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Kenneth, please visit our Tree Store.