Mike Bryant

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Mike Bryant made the most of the days he was given while holding his loved ones near. He was a no nonsense kind of guy who wasn’t afraid to do things his own way. A loving family man, Mike took his roles as a husband and father to heart, but he just might have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandfather later in life. The sort of person who would do whatever he could for others in ways both and small, he was a blessing in the lives of everyone he met. Life will never be the same without Mike here, but he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

America was bustling during the 1960s. We elected the young John F. Kennedy as our 35th President of the United States while Dr. Martin Luther King worked tirelessly to advance civil rights. By the end of the decade, it was the United States that was victorious in the space race between our country and the Soviet Union. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1963 when Donnie Ray and Margie Ellen (Webb) Bryant were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as spring appeared on the horizon in Auburn, Indiana. The big day finally arrived on March 8th when the baby boy they named Mikel drew his first breath. He was one of four children as he was joined in the Bryant family by his brothers, Danny and Tommy, and his sister, Lisa. While growing up, Mike and his family lived all over as his parents were laborers who worked in factories. He called Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky home at different times while growing up.

New and exciting changes were in store for Mike when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Kelly Renee DePew and it didn’t take the couple long to fall deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Mike and Kelly were married on July 21, 1995, in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Together they welcomed two children including Travis and Wyland into their hearts and home. As a husband and father, Mike was very protective of his family, and he would sacrifice anything and everything for their well-being. To support his family, he worked hard at Tower Structural Laminating in Ligonier. Later on, he was thrilled to become a grandfather and deeply loved his grandchildren. Mike loved spending time with them whether they were going for a walk, heading out to fish, or camping.

Throughout his life Mike was always busy and a man of many interests. He was a self-taught musician from the time he was young, and he especially loved bluegrass. Mike loved pickin’ his guitar and grinnin'...although he sometimes forgot the words to whatever he was signing. Every year, he looked forward to the bluegrass festival in Kendallville. He also traveled to many other bluegrass festivals as well. In fact, Mike’s entire family was very musical. During his younger years, he was a talented mechanic and loved working on cars. Busch Lite was his favorite beer and the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kentucky Wildcats were his favorite teams.

All who knew Mike Bryant would agree that there was no one quite like him. He loved a good joke and was forever teasing his family and friends, but it was all in good fun. Although he could be a bit stubborn, Mike wasn’t the sort to get in trouble, and for the most part he was one of the most easy-going, laid back people around. There was nothing of greater importance in his life than his family, and he was so protective of his wife, children, and grandchildren. Generous and giving, Mike was a blessing to all who were within his reach. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Mikel Bryant, of Rome City, died unexpectedly on Friday, February 22, 2017, at his residence. Mike’s family includes his parents, Donnie and Margie Bryant of Garrett, Indiana; wife, Kelly Bryant of Rome City; son, Travis (LaTasha) Bryant of Wawaka; son, Wyland (Kayla) Bryant of Rome City; three grandchildren: Brock Bryant, Kyle Bryant, and Summer Bryant; brother, Danny (Lisa) Bryant of Fostoria, Ohio; sister, Lisa (Rick) Swartz of Garrett; brother, Thomas “Tommy” Bryant of Garrett; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Visitation and funeral services will both be held Friday, February 24, 2017, at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Brother Bud Owen officiating. Burial will follow at Orange Cemetery near Rome City. Share a memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.