Ernest L. Bryant

Jun. 26, 1926 - Sep. 29, 2014

Major Ernest L. "Ernie" Bryant, 88, of South Bend, died at 8:30 a.m. Monday, September 29th, in St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center following an illness. Mr. Bryant was born June 26, 1926, in Rochester, IN, and moved to South Bend along with his family during his youth.

He graduated from Washington-Clay High School where he met the love of his life, Margaret Elaine Heckaman, whom he married May 26, 1950. She preceded him in death August 1, 1965. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Dianna L. McCune; parents, Mary (Shireman) and Claude Brunson; and brother, Charles Brunson. He is survived by his two granddaughters, Laurie R. Armstrong (Matthew) of Niles, MI, and Stephanie J. McCune-Bell (Robert) of Mishawaka; two great-grandchildren, Dianna McCune and Jennifer Fansler; two step-great-grandchildren, Romey Bell and Vincin Armstrong; and his sister, Jacqueline Tindall of Granger.

As a young man, Ernie worked full-time in the upholstery department of the Studebaker Corporation. In the summer of 1944, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the 196th Glider Infantry Regiment, the 17th Airborne Division, earning a Bronze Star. Ernie was a successful businessman, owning and operating Bryant's Auto Conditioning and Trim Shop in South Bend for many years. And while he was a successful and reputable businessman, it was his dedication to his community, as seen through his many decades of volunteer services, that he was most proud.

Ernie was a Charter Member of the Clay Township Fire Department and founder of the Saint Joseph County Police Air Posse, where he would fly his Cessna plane for the County during searches. He spent nearly 35 years with the Saint Joseph County Reserves and is the oldest serving, and second-longest serving, reserve officer in the State of Indiana. On serving his community,

Ernie frequently could be quoted as saying: "I think that living in a community is a lot like having money in the bank. Sometimes, you have to start putting some back in. You can't always be taking it out." Ernie loved spending time with his family, especially blue gill fishing with his granddaughters, deer and squirrel hunting, flying, and sharing a good, home-cooked meal.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 3rd, in the Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Rd., with Chaplain Steven Coyle of the St. Joseph County Sherriff's Department officiating. Committal services with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. The family will receive friends from 3 until 8 p.m. Thursday, October 2nd, in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Ernie's name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project. 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

06/19/2022 DEC
 

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