William Eugene Bryan

William “Bill” Eugene Bryan, 94, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed into glory on April 11, 2026. Born September 12, 1931, in Springfield, Ohio, William was the youngest son of Archillis Gabriel Bryan and Letha Marie (Organ) Bryan, and grew up among a large and loving family.

Drafted into the United States Army, he proudly served in the Korean War in 1951 — a chapter he carried with quiet dignity throughout his life.

Believing that the Lord had performed several miracles to bring him home safely from Korea, for a short while he felt he was meant to be a pastor, but soon realized his calling lay elsewhere. He found a career as an industrial engineer; work that suited his careful, methodical mind. In both vocations he brought the same steady attention to people, to process, and to doing things well.

On July 3, 1954, he married Marilyn Kay Steffens, his first great love and the mother of his children. After her passing, he was blessed to love again, marrying Erma Fay Hall on November 9, 1996. Twice widowed and twice blessed, he believed love was worth giving fully. William was extremely kind and never met a person he didn’t like or want to help. Those who knew him remember his humor and wit — a laugh that came easily — and a tenderness that surprised no one when, in his late 80s, he and Erma took in Pepper, the Chihuahua who became their devoted companion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Marilyn Kay and Erma Fay; his daughter, Marilee Karyl Bryan; and his siblings Naomi, Isam, Ester, John Woodward, Mildred Agnes, Paul Elsa, Ruth Viola (Bryan) Gray, Joseph Clyde, Don Wirley, and Florence Honor (Bryan)Hostetler.

He is survived by his sister, Glenna Mae (Bryan) Kadel; his son, William Evan Bryan; his daughter, Angela Maelle (Bryan) Heath and her husband James; his son, Walter Eldan Bryan; two step-daughters; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and his beloved Pepper.

A man of faith, of laughter, of quiet focus, and of love — returned now to the open arms of his Lord.

Funeral is Thursday, April 23, 2026, 11:00 AM at D. O. McComb and Sons - Pine Valley, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana with calling an hour before and Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.