Charles William Bryant, Jr.

Charles William Bryant Jr., 88, of Oak Harbor, OH died Monday, April 4, 2022 at home. Charles was born December 11, 1933, on Union Street in Bedford, PA to the late Charles William Bryant Sr. and Ethel Lucinda Bryant (nee Conner). As a young boy he enjoyed spending time with Jake, his Bantam rooster, who was his constant companion. Jake rode all around town on his bike handlebars, drank his pop, ate his ice cream, and would sit knowingly on the porch each evening waiting to be put into his cage. In the spring of 1946, Charles moved with his family to Port Clinton, OH. Charles graduated from Port Clinton High school on May 28, 1953.

Charles met the love of his life, Phyllis Lieske, on a warm summer evening at the big quarry in Rocky Ridge, OH. They were married on May 21, 1955, at St. John Lutheran Church, Rocky Ridge, OH. On March 30, 1956, Charles was drafted into the U.S. Navy. He went to Basic Training at the United States Naval Training Center at Great Lakes, IL. He served aboard the U.S.S. Philip DDE 498, a destroyer escort, stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI. He was a Seaman Gunners Mate and worked on a 5” forward gun mount. He was honorably discharged from active duty on October 23, 1957.

Upon his return, Charles worked at the US Gypsum Company in Gypsum, OH as manager of the toolroom. Eventually, he transferred to the electric shop, working as an electrician installing and maintaining all the plant's electrical equipment. He retired from the US Gypsum Company after 33 years of service in 1989.

Charles and Phyllis started their family by welcoming Loren Charles into the world on February 29, 1960; daughter, Carol Sue on February 8, 1962; son, Mark William on May 22, 1964; and David Albert on June 27, 1967. While the children were growing up, he coached Little League baseball, was Cub Scout Master of Pack 316, and an assistant leader with Boy Scout Troop 316. He worked a part time job to purchase a pop-up camper for annual family vacations. Time with his family was precious and he cherished the memories made camping each year.

Whether he was ice fishing in Canada, gardening, playing horseshoes, a game of pinochle, or checkers, Chuck found ways to do the things he loved with the people he loved. He was joyful, funny, and attentive. If you were lucky enough to spend time with him your face would be sore from smiling and your side would be in stitches from laughing at the stories he would tell.

Chuck was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Rocky Ridge, OH. He served his church family in various ways throughout the years. He was elected treasurer and president of the church council. He volunteered at fundraising dinners and banquets. He loved playing dartball. He enjoyed the Christian fellowship and the post game refreshments, especially when Pat brought pie. Charlie was a homerun hitter, a sideline heckler, and a good sport no matter the score.

As Grandpa Chuck, he spent many hours attending and enjoying his grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts and theatrical shows. He jumped at the chance to help collect leaves for the grandkids' school leaf project. He loved sharing his knowledge, passion, and time with them. He had countless funny sayings, like insisting they ate what was on their plate because “it’ll put hair on your chest." His grin and hearty laugh at a good joke, the gleam in his eye when he told a good story, and his love for his family will be dearly missed.

Charles is survived by his wife Phyllis of nearly 67 years; 4 children, Loren (Kimberly) Bryant, Carol (Steven) Florio, Mark (Tammara Sills) Bryant and David (Stephen Fendley) Bryant; 6 grandchildren, Amanda (Cameron) Middis, Melissa (Phillip) Weickert, Rebecca (John Donovan) Florio, Philip (Amanda) Bryant, Erin Bryant and Caleb Bryant; 1 Great-Grandchild Brantley Weickert and Baby Weickert expected in July; and Brother Russell (Shirley) Bryant. Charles was preceded in death by his Parents, Charles Sr. and Ethel Bryant, brother Kenneth Paul Bryant

Visitation will be Thursday, April 7th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 165 East Water Street, Oak Harbor, OH. Funeral services will begin at 11am on Friday, April 8th at St. John Lutheran Church, 450 N Rocky Ridge Rd. Oak Harbor, OH with Rev. Holli Burkard officiating. Interment will follow at Limestone Cemetery, in Benton Township. Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. John Lutheran Church.