Mike Bryant

BELLVILLE: David Michael "Mike" Bryant's life exemplified many verses of the Bible, which was fitting as the Scripture guided him through challenges and celebrations after he became saved. 1 Peter 4:8 states "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Mike embodied love–a love for God, a love for his family and chosen family, and a love for his community. Mike passed away in his Bellville home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 following a brief battle with cancer.
Mike was born in Crestline, Ohio on May 30, 1958 to parents Chester and Ada (Crouse) Bryant. He graduated from Ontario High School before beginning a career in sales which would carry him through three decades of success. He spent thirty-two years of bliss with the love of his life, Pamela. After thirty years, they were married on June 24, 2022.
A giving soul whose heart was brimming with vitality and compassion, Mike was a devout follower of Christ. He faithfully served God at Olive Tree Christian Fellowship where he was deeply involved in the church community, even working on children's education endeavors. He came into faith through his friend Norval Blackwell, and quickly gave over his heart to living a truly Christian life.
Mike's mercy and tenderness were evident to all those around him, especially children and dogs; in particular his bloodhounds Earl and Marianne whom he adored. He became known as "Mayor of the Bellville Dog Park" where he spent time letting his companions galavant. When not overseeing his domain at Finnegan's Run, he was often found in the kitchen, creating delicious and wholesome meals off the cuff for loved ones. His specialities included bacon gravy and chex mix, among other treats he cooked without opening a recipe book. He always took pleasure in the simple and beautiful things in life, and spent time watching blue birds fluttering around houses he had for them in the backyard. Mike spent hours mowing the lawn, which became a competitive sport in his neighborhood. His big heart and overwhelming kindness permeated into every aspect of his life, including volunteering with Matthew 25, an organization dedicated to food distribution as far as Medina.
He is survived by his wife Pam Bryant, children Kali (Steve) Franko and Heath (Becca Olmstead) Bebout, siblings Candice Hellinger, Arthur "Artie" (Penny) Bryant, Bruce (Shelly) Bryant and Kim (Mike) Atwell; beloved nieces and nephews Nicole Herring and family, Scott Hellinger and family, Aaron Bryant and family, Stephanie Knepper and family, Tiffany Bryant and family, Tarah Guisinger and family, Dustin Bryant, Brandon Bryant and family and Ryan Bryant and family, along with extended family and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great nephew Trisen Douglas Crabtree.
Mike and his family hosted a living funeral last Saturday, so no further services will be held at this time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Mike Bryant Memorial Dog Park Gazebo at the Bellville Dog Park Finnigans Run, use venmo @BellvilleDogPark and mark it gazebo.
The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bryant family with compassionate cremation arrangements.