Thomas Henry Bryant's Obituary
Thomas (Tom) Henry Bryant was born September 1, 1919 to parents, Henry Thomas Bryant and Bessie Lorene Lavender, in Cedar Hill, Texas. He graduated from Midlothian High School where he was an outstanding athlete. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy L. Stephenson in April, 1942. Tom worked at North American Aviation until joining the U.S. Army in August, 1942He trained at Camp Bowie in Brownwood. He was assigned to the 745th Tank Battalion, Company C, First Platoon and served as a tank driver. For Operation Neptune, the D-Day invasion at Normandy, the 745th was attached to the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red 1). The 745th participated in Operation Cobra while leaving the Normandy beaches, the Battle of Mons (France) where 5 German divisions were destroyed and in the Hurtgen Forest (Germany) campaign. In October, 1945, the 745th returned stateside. To honor his service, Tom received several medals and the rank of Sargent.In October, 1946, Tom joined the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was assigned to the License and Weight Division. He began his career in Edinburg, TX. Tom was transferred to Mineral Wells, Texas where in December, 1948, he and Dorothy welcomed the birth of their only child, Brenda Ann. In 1955, the family moved to Garland, Texas He served with the DPS for 35 years, retiring in August, 1981, with the rank of Lieutenant. During retirement, he and Dorothy enjoyed their role as “Gran” and “Pap Pap” to their grandsons, Matt and Marc.The family wishes to acknowledge the professional care and attention the staff of Lynridge Assisted Living & Memory Care, Murphy, Texas, extended to Tom during his extended stay in the facility. We would also like to express a special thanks to Reliant Healthcare, Allen, TX and Ameriprime Hospice LLC, Richardson, TXThomas is survived by his daughter, Brenda Halpin (Jerry); grandsons Matthew G. Halpin (Kassie) and Marcus T. Halpin (Courtney); great grandchildren Cade, Kate, Dane and Brynlee and many loved nieces and nephews.The visitation for Thomas will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at Restland Funeral Home.There will be a Graveside service for Thomas at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Restland Cemetery.The family ask those who wish to honor Tom’s memory consider a donation to the American Alzheimer’s Association.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?