William Bryan DeVasher

Bryan was born March 19, 1964, to Norma Clyde and the late Roy DeVasher and grew up in Fairview Heights, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University and worked as a journalist throughout his career, including as a copy editor at the Journal-Gazette in Fort Wayne, Indiana; at the Daily Press in Newport News, Virginia; and as a design editor, reporter, and videographer at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. In addition, he served as an adjunct instructor at Hampton University and Virginia Commonwealth University. He was a public information officer for the Virginia State Police, and until a few weeks before his death, served as the managing editor of Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily, an online daily newspaper.

Bryan was warm, kind, and funny; thrived on the excitement of a breaking news story; and could start a conversation with anyone. He could spend hours listening to and playing his favorite music, and had an endless recall of trivia. He loved old trains, good barbecue, terrible movies, and Cardinals baseball. He cherished being a father and husband, and was a supporter of Boy Scout Troop 414 in James City County and the Fifes and Drums of York Town.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jenny Cloninger DeVasher, and their beloved son and daughter, William Henry and Margaret Emma DeVasher, both age 15. He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, Norma and Gene Clyde of Williamsburg; a sister, Becky DeVasher of Illinois; mother- and father-in-law Linda and Fred Whitaker of Williamsburg; and a host of dear friends who spanned his lifetime.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 4897 Longhill Road in Williamsburg, with the Rev. Bill Harmon and the Rev. Jim Luck presiding.

A Bryan DeVasher Scholarship Fund has been established by the Robertson School of Media and Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University. Contributions may be made at gf.me/u/ndbfsm.