Robert Dean Bryson Jr.

Robert Dean Bryson Jr., son of Robert Dean Bryson Sr. and Shirley Mural Bryson, was born on December 29, 1954, in Houston, Missouri. He passed away on July 31, 2025, in Ozark, Missouri.

Bob was a proud native of Houston, Missouri, where he graduated from high school in 1973. During his youth, he was a Boy Scout, a dedicated athlete, and became an active member of the First Baptist Church following a decision to receive Christ as his savior at Baptist Summer Camp. He worked part-time at Forbes Drugstore Soda Fountain and played football for the Houston Tigers, helping enthusiastically to lead the team to state championships. Later in life, he continued his love for sports through golf, tennis, and softball.

After high school, Bob served four years in the United States Army, where he was involved with the Colonial Militia Military Marching Band in the Massachusetts area, then was stationed in West Berlin, Germany and served in military intelligence. Upon returning, he attended Southwest Missouri State University, joining Sigma Nu Fraternity and juggling multiple jobs while earning his Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

Bob's professional career began in the oil industry in Oklahoma, but he soon transitioned into healthcare finance in Florida, eventually retiring as Chief Financial Officer with Health Care Corporation (HCA) in Georgia. While in Oklahoma, Bob joined the Oklahoma National Guard. He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain before relocating to Tallahassee, Florida for work.

Bob was an avid sports fan, especially of college football. After moving to Florida, he became a devoted Florida State Seminole supporter, enjoying football weekends with friends and co-workers. Later he cheered on Ohio State teams and the KC Chiefs.

In retirement, Bob returned to the family farm in Yukon, Missouri, embracing a peaceful rural life and built a remarkable log house with Mike Brockelbank. He remained active in his church, participating in church leadership and cherished time spent with loved ones. He rarely missed Friday night high school football games and was a proud member of the Houston High School Alunni Association, where he enjoyed reconnecting with old classmates. He was an avid hunter and loved exploring the great outdoors.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his siblings: Bill, Randy, Ronnie, Dana, a large extended family and fiancé, Helen Allen.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Bob will be remembered for his booming laugh, sense of humor, and passion for college football.

The last few years of life his journey included dealing with a newly recognized neurodegenerative disease, Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) with primary progressive aphasia. Consider donations to AFTD.org for continued research in treatment and education in leu of flowers. He continued to find joy in the day and chose hope for tomorrow by deepening his faith in spite of this difficult disease.