William “Bill” Bryan
William “Bill” Bryan
William Richard “Bill” Bryan was born February 22, 1943, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He grew up in McAlester, Oklahoma and graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in 1965. He went on to become a teacher in 1966 and followed a job offer that relocated him to St. Louis, Missouri. Bill taught for over 30 years at various schools within the Hazelwood School District retiring in 1996 at the age of 53. He was a highly regarded instructor and the unofficial leader of the pack teaching home mechanics, metal working, wood working, electricity and sponsored the model railroad club. He touched thousands of lives and taught through generations. Big and gruff, but with a soft heart, he took special care of students to make sure they learned the trades correctly and he always spoke with immense pride about his time in the classroom.
Upon retirement, Bill did part-time carpentry and was immersed in his hobbies, which included: model railroading, wood working, watching John Wayne movies, and holding court while sharing both his unique knowledge of various subjects and telling elaborate stories at every opportunity.
Bill was baptized at the First Presbyterian Church in McAlester, Oklahoma in 1945 and re-confirmed his faith at Peace Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri on December 12, 1985. He remained involved in the church serving as a volunteer with the Property Management Board and Board of Ushers. He also served as an attendance and offering counter for Peace’s Sunday School program and was cast in the role of “Baker” in the annual Boar’s Head Christmas festival for 20+ years.
He is survived by his wife, Maureen nee Gearon, who he married on November 25, 1977. They enjoyed 45 love filled years together, which was celebrated this past November. The two shared children Ashley (William) Purvis and Sydney (Travis Partin) Bryan who survive along with grandchildren, Kaylee, Bobby, and Ellie Purvis with Baby Partin set to arrive in May. Also surviving, a close nephew, Dr. Vincent (Kelley) Bryan along with many nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney Gould and Elizabeth Jane Bryan, his brother, Charles Bryan, and his best friends, dogs Baby and Annie.
Bill enjoyed remarkably good health until severe illness suddenly occurred during the week of Thanksgiving. Following a short hospitalization, he briefly returned home, but upon being diagnosed with small cell carcinoma on December 7, 2022, he was readmitted to Mercy-South Medical Center. He underwent chemotherapy, kidney dialysis and other procedures, but his condition did not rally, resulting in his passing on Thursday, January 5, 2023. He was surrounded in love by his wife, daughters, son-in law, and nephew. Until his final moments, Bill remained every bit himself filling the room with joy, laughter, and, of course, his elaborate stories. His mark was left on countless lives and his unmatched candor, humor and wit is irreplaceable and something that will be missed by all.
A celebration of William’s life will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church located at 737 Barracksview Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63125 with visitation taking place at 9:30am and a service at 10:30am.
We shall miss Bill’s presence in our shared model railroad hobby, and countless stories and informational details for which he was never at a loss.
Maureen, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have many good memories of Bill with Len Appelbaum doing the RxR stuff. May he greeted by the angels and rest in peace.
Anytime I see a train I always think of Uncle Bill. He was a gentle giant who loved hard. We will miss him so much! Love you Aunt Maureen, Cousin Ashley and Sydney 🥰
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a good friend to my dad! He is with Jesus and free of pain! I know you will miss him greatly until you see him again soon! Hoppers send her our love and hugs! ❤️
Condolences from the Case Family
He’s been my brother since I was a teen. I’m so glad to have gotten some time with him and you all last week. Bill was a good man, son, husband, father, brother and friend. We will really miss him.
Bill’s passing leaves a hole in my heart. We have been friends for almost 53 years and I loved him like a brother. Bill knew a lot about many things, some about most things and had an opinion on everything. He was a fountain of knowledge and an amazing resource. He was always there if you needed him. He was big, could be gruff, and was to the point but he was a soft old Teddy Bear on the inside and I thought he would outlive us all. I miss you deeply Bill, and always will.
Bill or Ashley’s dad as I called him was unforgettable. Every time I saw him he couldn’t wait to tell me a story or two that had a few jokes mixed in for fun. He was witty and would spread his energy to anyone he came in contact with. I always respected how proud he was of his family. Especially of the lives and families each of his girls had made for themselves. He took pride in knowing that he did his job raising them to be strong and independent and was able to see them find their significant others and true loves. I know that he will always be looking down on them both and smiling. He will be greatly missed🖤
I could never have asked for a kinder neighbor. His stories were always entertaining and I can honestly say I don’t think he ever met a stranger. My heart goes out to Maureen and his family .Bill will forever be missed on Cherryview Ln.
Maureen, Ashley & Sydney my heart breaks hearing this news. He’s been on my mind allot lately and cherish the friendship we had since 1975. We enjoyed teaching him how to bowl as well as many other things. I always thought of him as a gentle giant. ❤️
Bill was a great man, a wonderful friend an incredible neighbor, and will be dearly missed. Our hearts go out to Maureen and the family. The Tillotson’s
Bill was a great man, a wonderful friend an incredible neighbor, and will be dearly missed. Our hearts go out to Maureen and the family.
The Tillotson’s
Had him for metal shop at Hazelwood east in 1982ish, great shop teacher and all around down to earth guy that never got upset when you messed up. Sincere condolences to the family from the King family.
I taught with Bill for over 25 years and always enjoyed his wit and his outlook on life. My condolences to the family.
I worked with Bill back at Hazelwood East , he was always a great guy, always making me laugh . I also went to East in the 80’s and took a wood working class, even though he wasn’t my teacher he was often in our room cutting up with Mr. Kuhlman, you never knew what kind of shenanigans the two of them were up too ! Lots of good and happy memories working with him and being a student at East . He will be missed but never forgotten. Deepest condolences to all the family.
Donna Thompson
So sorry for your loss Maureen
I took his woodworking class when I was a senior in 1987 because I had my credits to graduate and thought what the heck. I was the only girl in his class. It was my favorite hour of the day. He was the epitome of what a teacher should be. I was terrible at woodworking but he’d turn his back and let one if the boys do my projects for me. My mom proudly displayed my clock for many years. I’m sure his classes have produced thousands of people in the trades! He sure made learning fun. RIP Mr Bryan.
Bill was an excellent example of what a “Great” teacher should be. The students enrolled in his classes because they wanted to and not because they had to. His uncanny ways of convincing reluctant students to do things his way was legendary. He had volumes of knowledge in all areas of Industrial Technology and he was willing to share this knowledge with anyone of us when asked.
Though I never had the privilege of teaching in the same building, his legacy was well known throughout Hazelwood as well as other districts and, was well known and respected in our county Industrial Technology Association. Bill was enamored with the title “TEACHER” and it showed in his classroom. He not only helped write our curriculum, but, helped the architects design our classrooms in the two new high schools during the mid 70’s. Bill was one of a kind and will never be duplicated—-I was a better teacher for having known him. Sorry we didn’t get to say goodby thanks for making our part of the world a little brighter. Till we meet again may God Bless your family during this sad time for all of us.
Hum, when memories are profound, 37 years feels like yesterday. I’m not sure if a better role model for a rebellious young man existed. I speak on behalf of the multitude edified by this great man. Thank you, kind Sir, for leading by example and having the discernment and wisdom to hold feet to the fire when things didn’t pass the sniff test…God knows I tried a time or two. It’s most paramount to highlight, Mr. Bryan taught sooooooo much more than shop but that was the pulpit from which he communicated values and skills that stir in men today. Composing this, I look to the end of my hallway, where my prize possession rests (I wish I could post a picture). It stands as the finest furnishing in my home. Not due to its quality but the story that it accompanies. The project (a hall tree umbrella stand), was both advanced and pricey. SO HERE WE GO! The wise old Owl knew his student’s attention span (I was a little jackass), was fully aware of youthful neglect for delayed gratification and demanded a parent conference to communicate the financial investment, as he knew I did not come from affluence. Upon parental by in and before a tool was raised, the Owl speekith! Troutfish, (coining the nickname that stuck like wood glue) sit for a moment, let us talk of this project, … “yer bitin off a pretty big worm here son, don’t commit to something you’re not going to bring to completion, I’ll have no part in it!” Which I translated, look here ya little wipper snapper , YA WHAT IT TAKES? He was a mountain to be reconned with, I knew my historical subpar efforts were not going to be tolerated. I don’t know if It’s ever held an umbrella but the knowledge it suspends is priceless. I’ve discovered in life, many things are taught but the really important stuff is caught. Mr. Bryan was a true fisher of men, teaching many to fish coupled with fashioning the pole. I’m faithfully convinced the mansion has an incredible shop. Save me a seat O’l boy, but this time in the front of the class, I’ll be along shortly as this is only goodbye for a brief time.
O… please double check the integrity of the wiring on Gods arc welder, just to make sure! Haha, another lesson!
God bless you my friend!
Troutfish
I was wanting to tell you the story on how I got the perfect score on my final exams in 1980 to pass your class, after you had changed the test that we took semester after semester. I remember you looking at me and wondering how in the world did I get 100% score on it. Well I guess it’s between myself and 2 other guys sitting around the work bench who got a 99 and 98 respectively. They were calculated missed answers. Didn’t want it to be too obvious. Rest in peace
Bill was, for more than 45 years, one of my family’s most enduring and dearest friends … always there when we needed him, always helpful, and always in good humor. We were there when he and Maureen were married, and we shared their joy when Ashley and Sydney joined the family. And he was there for us, during good times and bad, to provide aid and support, friendship and guidance, whatever the situation required. His knowledge, wit and wisdom (a few examples of which I was honored to share. with friends and family, at his memorial service) will endure in our memories. He will be missed, mourned and remembered, for the rest of our days – and always with a smile. Godspeed, old friend.