Kenneth Owen Bryant

Kenneth Owen Bryant
December 27, 1930 – June 11, 2025

Kenneth Owen Bryant, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and servant of God, returned to the Lord on June 11, 2025, at the age of 94. Born in Bakersfield, California, Kenneth moved with his family to Ridgecrest, where he graduated from Burroughs High School in 1948.

While managing the Ridgecrest Roller Rink, Kenneth met his beloved Madge Tucker. Their love blossomed quickly, leading to a joyful marriage. Drafted into the U.S. Army, Kenneth served honorably in the Korean War, earning the Korean Service Medal, W3 BZ Service Star, United Nations Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

After his military service, Kenneth briefly worked as a mail carrier before joining the Department of Defense at China Lake in 1955 as a civilian. His 34-year career was marked by increasing responsibility, from electronic mechanic to electronic warfare specialist, radar design and testing expert, and ultimately Division Head of the Electronic Warfare Range (now Echo Range). In 1983, after a distinguished tour at the Pentagon with the Chief of Naval Operations, Kenneth received the Navy's Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his vital contributions to the Navy and national security. Following retirement, he continued supporting the Navy as a consulting radar engineer for Electronic Warfare Associates in China Lake and Washington, D.C.

Kenneth and Madge shared a vibrant life filled with archery, square dancing, raising horses, competing in rodeos, racing cars at the Pearsonville track, playing darts, and hosting lively family gatherings filled with laughter and games. After Madge's passing in 1995, Kenneth found love again with Shirley Knight. Together, they enjoyed retirement years traveling and cherishing time with family.

A lifelong Christian, Kenneth lived his faith with quiet strength. He studied the Bible diligently, modeled Christ's love and grace, and generously shared his wisdom. Known for inviting door-to-door evangelists into his home to discuss faith, he approached such moments with kindness and conviction. His gentle demeanor belied a reservoir of wisdom and resolve, always ready to support his family, whom he cherished deeply.

Kenneth's family often marveled at his ability to "check out" mentally, a skill he attributed to needing quiet to solve complex problems. He credited God for his intuitive understanding of radars, saying, "I don't know why God gave me knowledge about radars, but He did. I could see what they were supposed to do, and I just figured out how to make it happen." He approached life's joys with the same determination, whether mastering a hobby or surprising loved ones with his playful humor.

Family was Kenneth's cornerstone. He cared for his aging parents, supported his siblings, and nurtured his immediate and extended family, including stepchildren and their children, whom he embraced as his own. His large heart gave freely without expecting return, leaving an enduring legacy of love and generosity.

In his 94 years, Kenneth Owen Bryant exemplified faith, kindness, and grace. His family thanks and praises the Lord for the time and love shared, and for the privilege of loving him in return. Kenneth's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.

Kenneth was predeceased by his wife Madge Tucker Bryant, his son Rick Bryant and stepdaughter Kim Chapman. He is survived by his wife Shirley Knight, his children Debra Grauert (Chris Grauert), Kathy Seals and Susan Tianen (Mike Tianen) and their families including 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, his stepson and stepdaughter Jim Knight and Kristy Fava and their families. He also leaves behind beloved sister Eleanor Priestkorn and family, brother Jerry Bryant and family, Sister in Law Sonja Giuliani and family, brother in law Jim Tucker and family.

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