The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Don LaVaughn Bryant, 79, of Orange, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 7, at his home after his valiant fight against COPD. Funeral Services for Don will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange with Pastor Misael Castillo officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. from 9:00 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home.

Don was born on May 21, 1933 in Shreveport, LA., to Willie Pearl Bryant Perkins and Julius William Bryant.

Don graduated from Starks High School and attended Lamar College. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight mechanic from 1953 through 1957. He retired from DuPont as a machinist to open his own machine shop at Cove Harbor Marina.

From the time he was a young boy, he enjoyed owning boats, including the houseboats he built himself, and spending many hours on the water with family and friends. Don was an excellent dancer and thoroughly enjoyed jitterbugging. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and watching beautiful sunsets from the dock at his house on the river. He was well-liked by everyone he met and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and his second wife, Sarah Ann Weston Bryant.

Don is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Terryl and Irma Bryant of Orange; and his daughter and son-in-law, Ledena and Steve Howard of Orange. He is also survived by his first wife, Barbara Bryant of Deer Park; grandchildren, Clay Bryant, Tara Bryant Weatherford, and Joshua Howard; and his great-grandchildren, Caily Janise, Cody Janise, and Sterling Weatherford.

He is also survived by his two favorite sisters, Jacque Bryant Phelps and Billie Bryant Becker, both of Orange. Also, he is survived by his best friend, Shirley Hudson, with whom he shared many happy times dancing and traveling during the last seven years of his life.

The family wishes to say thank you to Altus Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718.