Gerald Arthur Bryant left us on September 9, 2018. He was born on November 30, 1934 in Hudson, Michigan to James & Nota Bryant. He grew up in Adrian, Michigan and moved to Toledo as a young teen.
He attended Horace-Mann and Whitmer High School. As a student at Whitmer he earned the right to attend the National Junior Achievement Competition in Texas. After high school he worked as an auto mechanic at various shops around the Toledo area.
His love of automobiles made him want… Read More » to pass his knowledge on to others as he taught auto mechanics at his alma-matter, Whitmer, during the 1964-65 school year. In 1965 when Penta County Vocational Schools opened its doors, he became one of the first four auto mechanics teachers for 2 years before moving on to the administrative team. His involvement with the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) led to many opportunities to travel and share his ideas and beliefs in Vocational Education.
All the while he was pursuing his educational degrees from the University of Toledo from where he received his Bachelor’s degree in 1972 and his Master’s degree in 1974. In 1979, his career path led him to move on to Owens Technical College as the Dean of Engineering and Automotive Technologies. He later served as the Dean of Continuing Education and retired from Owens as the Director of Auxiliary Services in 1997.
Jerry had a very busy personal life as well. In 1968 he entered the Masons through Robinson Locke Lodge #659. He proceeded though the Scottish Rite in 1969 and the same year chose to become a member of Zenobia Shrine, joining the Director’s Staff.
As a Shriner he attended numerous parades, newspaper sales, circuses and other events. He served on the Chicago Board of Governors at the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, becoming an emeritus member after serving his term. In 1991, he was appointed to the Divan Line at Zenobia becoming the Illustrious Potentate at Zenobia in 1997.
He served as the Impresario and later as the Director of the Royal Order of Jesters Court #21 in 2012. He could often be found travelling the country and world with his many friends from the Shrine. Gerald met the love of his life, Kathy, on June 6, 1962 and told her that day he was going to marry her.
They were indeed wed on December 21, 1963. Jerry will be greatly missed by his wife Kathy and their children Jonathan and JB (Carey); Grandchildren Julia, James and Joseph. He is survived by his brother Jim (Doris) Bryant of Orfordville, Wisconsin.
Also surviving are Gia (Gary) Curry and Gina (Chris) Macy and their children and grandchildren. Friends may visit on Friday September 14th from 2-8 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home 5155 Sylvania Ave (west of Corey Rd) with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Reformation Lutheran Church 4543 Douglas Rd Toledo, OH 43613. .
Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children 2211 North Oak Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60707-3392.
Condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.
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