William Jennings Bryan

BRYAN William Jennings 1920-2008 Bill Bryan, 88, decorated war veteran of WWII and the Korean War, died peacefully going to his eternal home on Independence Day. He was born on February 7, 1920, weighing in at 15lbs. 1 oz to James and Freda Bryan. Bill was an avid joke teller and card player and taught many how to play a lot of different games. He was able to beat the best players at Cribbage just days before his death. He played in Pinochle and Euchre tournaments up until his death. Bill joined the Navy when he was 22 traveling on a warship during WWII and later working as a Seabee, building and repairing structures in the Philippines and Japan. During the Korean War, he was promoted to Master Sergeant, living in San Diego and Toledo, retiring from the Air Force Reserves. He was a skilled tool & dye maker, who retired from Dana Spicer Corp. in 1985. He was very involved in St. Mark Lutheran Church, East Toledo, initiating the blood drive and playing in the bell choir. Bill volunteered his services to the Toledo food bank and to St. Louis Perish visiting and delivering food to shut ins. His kindness to others and his sense of humor was greatly appreciated. For the past five years he attended First Baptist Church, Oregon, where he enjoyed seeing his great-grandchild. He was a member of the Spicer Sportsman Club, always attending the annual wild game dinners. Bill worked the voting polls up until he was 85. He is preceded in death by his son, William Jennings Bryan III, who died at age 49; his first wife, Marjorie Heier, whom he married at age 22; his second wife, Betty Jeffrey, whom he married at age 50; his ten brothers and sisters; a set of twins and a one year old. Bill loved his family and friends, expressing gratitude for all that everyone did. His sense of humor, his ability to roll with the challenges of life and the great kindness he bestowed on all he knew will be missed. Survivors include, sister, Margaret Alexander of Louisiana; daughter, Trish (Brad) Garnick, Montana; daughter, Gloria, Bryan, Columbus; granddaughter, Amy (Jarrett) Zuroff, Salt Lake City; granddaughter, Betsy (David) Hill; two great-grand-daughters of Boston; daughter, Linda Ryan and family; granddaughters, Angela Ryan (Samuel), Lisa Ryan and foster grand-daughter, Tamara (Anthony) Vaughan; great-grandchildren, Noah, Mindy, Christopher, Robert, Terrence and Isiah; daughter, Julie (Cruz) Hernandez and family; grandson, Joshua Morales; granddaughter, Kristal Vann; great- grandchildren, Mystery, Cassandra, William and Legacy, all of Toledo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill's memory to the First Baptist Church, 5157 Seaman Rd., Oregon, OH 43616 to support their ongoing mission work. A memorial service will be held for Bill on August 3, 2008 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Oregon, OH.