10/30/1943 – 7/29/2025
Rio Verde, Arizona
Gary D. Bryant, 81, passed away on July 29, 2025 at his home in Rio Verde, AZ. He was born on October 30, 1943 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Wyle Devon “Dee” and LeIsle “Lee” Bryant, and grew up in Wabash, Indiana. A talented trumpet player, Gary spent his summers playing at Culver Academy—an early expression of his lifelong love for music.
He graduated from DePauw University in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He went on to earn a Master of Theology and Ministry from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in 1970 and a Master of Social Ethics from Boston University in 1975.
After his undergraduate work he and his ex-wife, Johannah Bryant, participated in the Vista Volunteer program working with underserved populations in the U.S.
Gary dedicated his life to ministry within the United Church of Christ (UCC). He began his pastoral career as Associate Pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church, in Lawrence, Kansas, where he worked closely with the youth, led groups, and delivered memorable children’s sermons each Sunday. He later served numerous UCC congregations in Onega, Topeka and Kansas City, Kansas, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Denver, Colorado, as an interim pastor, guiding them through times of transition with wisdom, compassion, and care. His conflict management skills, humor, and counseling background were ideal for work as an interim minister. He also served as Associate Conference Minister for the Southwest Conference of the UCC for about 9 years while living in Phoenix, AZ, supporting churches and clergy across the region.
He spent many years in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and in the later part of his career, served a small and close-knit congregation in Collbran, Colorado, until his retirement.
Gary had a sharp mind, a thoughtful nature, and a remarkable sense of humor. He used jokes and light-heartedness to ease tension and bring comfort to others—both in his ministry and in everyday life. As an adult, he developed a love for tennis, enjoying the game as both a physical challenge and a social joy. Gary loved being outside hiking, photographing nature, taking on the challenge of a new creative outlet, watching KU basketball, and listening to music. Whether in a pulpit, on a tennis court, or around the dinner table, Gary had a gift for putting people at ease and making them feel seen and valued.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Carlson Shaw; his daughters Leticia Cole (Jason) and Sarah Maier (Andy); and his stepdaughters Christie Shaw Ulichny (Mike) and Krystal Shaw. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Carson Cole, Cali Cole, Emery Cole, Ella Maier, Owen Maier, Mackenzie Maier, Jonah Ulichny, and Madelyn Ulichny. He is also survived by his brothers, Gregg Bryant (Sherry) and Gene Bryant.
Gary will be remembered for his deep faith, his generous spirit, his humor, and the countless lives he touched through his ministry, his presence, and his love.
There will be an informal memorial for Gary on November 15th, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the Mayflower Room at Plymouth Congregational Church.
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