Daniel Joseph Bryant, 75, passed away on January 13, 2014, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka after a lengthy illness. He was born on May 20, 1938, in Mishawaka to James and Jeanice (Goebelt) Bryant. On September 14, 1957, he married Janice Parcell, his high school sweetheart and fellow Mishawaka High School graduate from the Class of 1956.
Dan and Janice were happily married for 56 years.
Janice survives along with their children, Lori (Lance) Long of Mishawaka, Andrew (Lisa) Bryant of Mishawaka, John (Kim) Bryant of Mishawaka, and Jennifer Bryant of Grand Haven, Michigan. Dan was a proud grandfather to, and is survived by, Elizabeth (Matt) Blimling, Corie (Justin) Waugh, Kathryn (Andrew) O''Connell, Chelsea (Aaron) Markel, Michael Long, Justin Bryant, Samuel Bryant, Nathan Long, Mitchell Bryant, and Thomas Bryant. He was also a proud great-grandfather to, and is survived by, Bowen Blimling, Jackson Blimling, Emma O''Connell, Lucy Blimling, and Nolan Markel. Dan is also survived by his brother, J. Timothy Bryant of Middlebury, and was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rebekah Hughes, and his half-brother Robert Bryant.
Dan was founder and president of Thermoplastics, Inc. and Bryco Tool, Inc. in Mishawaka. Thermoplastics earned several awards and was the first plastics company in the world to receive Ford''s Q-1 rating. Dan retired in 1985.
Once a nationally ranked chess player, Dan enjoyed playing any kind of game that involved strategy, logic, and words. He loved to read books on all subjects and considered himself a lifelong learner. He was also an accomplished musician, equally talented on the harmonica and the piano, and possessed the rare ability to play by ear.
Dan and Janice enjoyed traveling to all parts of the world together. Dan had a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. Some of his favorite activities included hiking, snowmobiling, off-roading, golfing, sailing, and motorcycling. Dan treasured times with his family, especially at their second home in Ludington, Michigan.
His family will always remember his special ability to tell a good story, and all who knew him will remember his generous spirit.
Dan''s family will welcome visitors on Friday, January 24, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 3:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah''s Witnesses at 2431 Filbert Road in Mishawaka.