Edward "Ed" Lane Bryan

PEKIN ~ Edward “Ed” Lane Bryan, 71, of Pekin, lovingly known as “My Dearest” by his wife of forty-five years, entered Heaven and into the arms of Jesus his Savior (John 3:16), at 3:09 a.m. Monday, September 7, 2021 from his home.

Born January 30, 1950 in Peoria to Lee Roy Bryan and Maverne (Smith) Bryan, he married Judith Elaine Durbin on September 25, 1976 in North Pekin. She survives, knowing she will see him again in Heaven.

He has six amazing children who survive: Christa (Jim) Roland of Pekin, Shatan Bryan of Charleston, South Carolina, Luke (Cheryl) Bryan of Forrest, Virginia, Lisa (Jacob) Brooks of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Isaiah (Leigh) Bryan of Glennville, Georgia and Ashley Bryan (Dustin Uldrick) of Columbia, South Carolina. Eleven grandchildren who constantly occupied his heart and mind include Cole Bryan, Chloe (Sam) Pennell, Tanner (Katie) King, Conner (Carly) Roland, Kyleigh Bryan, Rylee King, Sidney King, Alexia Netzel, Lilly King, Tyson Netzel, and Ella Jackson. Five adopted grandchildren he prayed for frequently, Kaity Chilton, Kelly Carrell and Hill, Blake and Colton Uldrick. The best great-grandson in the whole world, Oliver Pennell was a constant joy. One brother, William Bryan and an adopted sister Phyllis Jones, both of Peoria were frequent partners in crime. Five nephews, Dave Cramer, Jim, Jerry, Mike and Billy Bryan and one niece, Patti Bryan, who felt like his own kids, also survive. There is a long list of favorite young people from church that touched his heart and built a relationship with him over the years. One that particularly stands out as family is Peyton Mitchell, who he considered his special friend, and was often sharing green mints and conversation at church with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Jeanette Schultz, and two brothers, Jimmy and Charles Bryan.

Ed was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving proudly in the United States Army in Germany.

He was a 1969 graduate of Limestone Community High School and later received his Associates Degree in welding and blueprint reading from Lakeland Jr. College.

Ed retired in 2020 from O’Reilly Auto Parts after 12 years, where he was the Commercial Parts Manager. His account clients became close friends over the years and his retirement never kept him from frequently visiting their places of business and catching up.

His love of woodworking produced HUNKA Wood Crafts. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and was also a CUBS fan. Ed loved spending quality time with his family and church family.

Ed was a member of Bayview Baptist Church in Washington, serving as an usher, choir member and Sunday School Teacher. He was also a former member of Faith Baptist Church in Pekin, where he also served as an usher.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 13, 2021 at Bayview Baptist Church in Washington. His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2021 also at Bayview Baptist Church. Pastor Brett Bedwell will officiate. Burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield at 2 p.m. Military rites will be provided by the United States Army and Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Illinois Central Christian School, 22648 Grosenbach Road, Washington, Illinois 61571.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com