Harold ‘Tom’ Bryant
Tom Bryant, 97, of Sullivan, MO passed away Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Missouri Baptist Hospital – Sullivan.
Harold Thomas Bryant was born on October 18, 1924 in Overland, MO to Thomas Jay and Elsie (Baker) Bryant. On November 23, 1950, Tom was united in marriage to Viola Thurmond at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sullivan, MO. Tom was a career Air Force Pilot. At the age of nineteen, his first Air Force assignment was as a co-pilot of a B-17. He served his country during World War II, The Korean War, and Vietnam, retiring in 1970.
In 1976, Tom and Viola returned to Sullivan where he served two terms as City Alderman and on the East-West Gateway Coordination Committee. He remained intensely interested in aviation and worked diligently in the development of the Sullivan Regional Airport, later serving on the Airport Board for several years. In 1985, he achieved a lifelong dream of building a Long-EZ Aircraft, which afforded him untold hours of pleasure. Tom was a member of Sullivan Masonic Lodge #69 AF & AM, the Mohawk Consistory of the Scottish Rite in Utica, New York, and the St. John & St. James Episcopal Church in Sullivan.
Tom is survived by his wife, Viola, of Sullivan, MO; one brother, Ron Bryant and wife Terri of Kansas City, MO; two sisters, Shirley Sterle and husband Fred and Sherry Bellafiore and husband Tony; sister-in-law, Myrl Bledsoe of Sullivan, MO; special nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Elsie Bryant; and one sister, Jewell McMahan.
Masonic Services will be conducted 5 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, prior to the service at Eaton Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions in honor of Tom may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or an organization of your choice.
Condolences may be shared with Tom’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan.