Walter “Walt” Bryant, age 79, of Athens, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2013 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; daughters, Connie (husband Randy) Stahl of Bullhead City, AZ, Penny Irwin of Springfield, Kristie Stoneking of Springfield; four grandsons, Tyler Hopwood (companion Savannah), Katlin Douglas, Dalton Irwin, and Bryan Irwin; one great-grandson, Sheldon Hopwood; two brothers, William (wife Carolyn) Bryant and Ronald (wife Carol) Bryant of Athens; Godchild, Melissa (husband Mark) Bigger and family; several nieces and nephews and their families.
Walt is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Maurine Bryant; step-father, Orville Denton; one grandson, Dane Hopwood; and one great-grandson, Keith Straub.
He was born on August 31, 1934 in Athens, Illinois. Walt married Judy Wasilewski on January 19, 1958.
He graduated from Athens High School in 1952.
Walt served for three years for the U.S. Army.
He worked for Allis-Chalmers after his military service. He later worked for Ideal Industries for 18 years in Petersburg, at MAPCO for a brief period and Dickey-john in Auburn for 24 years. Walt worked part-time with Dave Parkhurst as a carpenter. During that time they were responsible for building the first Athens community park building and the first Athens library.
Walt was an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed hunting, trap-shooting, golfing, gardening, eagle watching, telling jokes, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 4:00 until 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the Athens Christian Church. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 6, 2013 at the Athens Christian Church.
Rev. Ken Gennicks will be officiating.
Burial will be held at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens.
Memorials can be made to the Athens Christian Church or the Athens Municipal Library.
Family is being served by Mott & Henning Funeral Home, in Athens, IL.
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Posted December 2nd, 2013 at 5:41 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Walt’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs to you Connie (and everyone else). God Bless you all!
Posted December 3rd, 2013 at 8:46 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Posted December 4th, 2013 at 11:28 am
I’m so sorry for your loss, our prayer and thoughts are with the family. Walt was a wonderful man and will be missed.
Posted December 13th, 2013 at 9:28 am
My condolences to the family.
Posted December 21st, 2013 at 3:35 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I just learned of Walt’s passing. I worked at Country Hills G. C. for years, and Walt was a favorite; always happy and polite.