Benton C. Bryant

Benton C. Bryant

LITTLE VALLEY - Benton C. Bryant, a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and Model T enthusiast, passed away peacefully Monday, May 5, 2025, at Fiddlers Green Manor, Springville.

Born Feb. 27, 1929, to Charles E and Ruby J. Bowles Bryant, the family was raised in a small home on Sawmill Run Road in the town of Coldspring. He grew up with his four younger brothers, John, Otis, Rod and Stu.

He attended Salamanca School and graduated in 1947 as the salutatorian with a class of 143. He joined the U.S. Army after graduation before returning to New York and working for The Department of Transportation.

He met and married the love of his life "Florencie Kilburn" in June of 1952, soon after they built their homestead and established the "Model T Ranch" on Kahler Hill Road in the Town of Little Valley.

Benton was known by most as the Model T Man, from the "Model T Ranch," and for driving around town in one his many classic cars.

Benton will be forever remembered for the profound impact on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him, and the incredible ability in sharing and telling his vast array of stories. A self-taught musician, he loved to play all instruments but especially the fiddle, harmonica, accordion and guitar.

Benton was always willing to lend a hand, especially when it came to fixing anything with a motor pre-1950. Always up for an adventure, Benton once said his love of travel began at just three months of age while traveling with his family in his Uncle Rollin's 1927 Model T Ford touring car.

He had a lifelong passion for conservation, music and the arts. He enjoyed traveling the most, having visited many of the continental states and numerous National Parks. He was a regular attendee of flea markets both near and far. He was sure to never miss his class reunion to reminisce with his classmates.

A quote that is especially true about Benton is one from Henry Ford, "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young."

Benton is survived by the love of his life and wife of 72 years, Florence; and their three children, Becky (Kevin) Mosher, Ruby (Taylor) Roberts and Randy Bryant; grandchildren, Nova (Tom) Holeva, Rory Mosher, Jena (Matt) Loveless and Zane (Shyana) Mosher; great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Elise, AJ, Alaina, Oakley, Rowan, Rozilyn, Thorin and one on the way; and many nieces and nephews, each and everyone of them a favorite.

Family, friends, neighbors and Model T enthusiasts are invited to join in a celebration on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Marshall Kilburn's home in Leon.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley, where online condolences may be made at www.mentleyfuneralhome.com.