M. Wayne Bryant

M. Wayne Bryant, age 88, of McCook, NE passed away at Hillcrest Nursing Home on Thursday, October 18, 2018 surrounded by his family.

Wayne was born February 15, 1930 in Beaver City, NE to parents Gail and Clara (Smith) Bryant.  He was one of nine children who grew up on the family farm north of Indianola, NE.  Wayne graduated from Curtis High School with the Class of 1948.

Wayne enjoyed farming over the years.  Following high school, he entered the United States Navy and proudly served his country from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War.

On May 7, 1955 Wayne married Audrey Hupf in Indianola.  The couple was blessed with three children; Jerry, Steve and Barb.

On November 6, 1986, Wayne married Diane Hackney in Oberlin, KS, adding three additional children to the family; Cindy, Beth and Jim.

Wayne and Diane were members of Memorial United Methodist Church.  Wayne served on the Republican Valley School Board and enjoyed coaching Little League and Legion Baseball. He was an Exalted Ruler in the Elks Lodge and a member of the McCook VFW and the American Legion.  Wayne was a 4H Leader, a Bus Driver for the Republican Valley and McCook School Districts as well as an avid horse rider and trainer. He enjoyed boxing, both coaching and judging, and was an Olympic Alternate for both.

Preceding Wayne in death were his parents, Gail and Clara Bryant; brothers, Gene, Jim and Floyd Bryant; and daughter, Cindy Waddell; and granddaughters, Erin and Erica Bryant

Those left to mourn his passing include wife, Diane Bryant of McCook; sons, Jerry (Chris) Bryant of Lincoln, NE, Steve (Cathy) Bryant of McCook and Jim (Michelle) Hackney of Firestone, CO; daughters, Barb (Mike) Esch and Beth (Jeff) Crick, all of McCook; brothers, Gerald Bryant of Grand Island, NE and Bill (Norma Lea) Bryant of Curtis; sisters, Doris Whitacre of Kearney, NE, June (Ray) Tomko of Struthers, Ohio and Darlene Combs of Bossier City, LA; twenty two grandchildren; twenty nine great grandchildren; and a host of extended family members and friends.