Paul L. Bryant - Merced, Calif.

2/22/1930-10/22/2014

Paul Leroy Bryant was born in Creston, Iowa where he attended school until he joined the Navy at age 17. Paul spent 4 years on his tour stationed in the Navy in San Diego, CA. After his hitch in the Navy he returned to Creston where he farmed for 2 years. He then moved to Merced, CA and obtained a job with the U.S. Postal Service. After many years in Merced he decided to move to Twain Harte and work for the Postal Service delivering mail in Sonora until his retirement in 1983.

Paul loved living in the mountains and square dancing with his many friends. He loved watching baseball and never missed the World Series. After retirement he moved back to Iowa where he drove the trolley for 2 years. He suffered a mild stroke and decided to move to Lancaster to spend his remaining years with his daughters and grandchildren. His very favorite past time was being around his family. He loved joking with all the kids and had a special nickname for all of them. His wonderful smile and mild manner will truly be missed by everyone.

Paul is proceeded in death by his parents Noah Willard and Maggie Kay Bryant, brothers Willard Eugene Bryant and Robert Lee Bryant, and a sister, Alberta Ahnen-Mellow. He is survived by his sisters Lottie Riley (Leroy) and Lucille Dillenburg (Junior) both of Creston, Iowa, 4 daughters Patricia Bakewell (Doug), Paula Thompson (Mark), Tracy Bryant all from
Lancaster, Ca. and Kimberly Gonzales of Brentwood, Ca. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many, many nieces and nephews that loved and adored him.

Graveside services were performed by his son-in-law Doug Bakewell and nephew Bill Ahnen with all of his family attending. Paul was laid to rest near his sister Alberta Ahnen-Mellow in the Evergreen Memorial cemetery in Merced, Ca on 10/25/2014.