Robert "Ed" Bryant

Robert Bryant was known to his friends and family as Bob or Ed-Bob or Ed. "Fast Eddie" was his nickname for a while, but that was when he was much younger. Robert was born in Tulsa, the son of Norman and Edythe Bryant. He was a graduate of Edison High School, and he attended Oklahoma State University for a while before turning his attention to other plans. As a young man, Robert held a number of jobs and volunteered his time freely in support of causes that resonated with him. Many people came to know Robert through his volunteer work for Carrie Dickerson, the celebrated anti-nuclear activist and founder of Citizens' Action for Safe Energy. Robert served as the secretary of the organization for a time, and his supporting role is described in the book, "Aunt Carrie's War Against Black Fox Nuclear Power Plant." Robert always looked for ways to use his time and energy in support of his passions. He was a political campaign volunteer for Fred Harris, the U.S. Senator from Oklahoma who ran for president in the 1970's. Robert traveled to New Hampshire to experience the primary election there. In 1974, Robert helped David Boren gain election as Governor of Oklahoma. Later, Robert was selected to work at the Governor's mansion as a groundskeeper. He maintained a small garden at the mansion that produced flowers and vegetables. Through his friendship with Carrie Dickerson, Robert was able to purchase a small tract of land in Newcastle, Oklahoma, which became his home for the last years of his life. Robert possessed many skills. He was experienced in newspaper production and graphic arts. He managed databases of various kinds. He was also very good at customer service, a trait that led him to employment in libraries -- first at the downtown library of the Metropolitan Library System and later at Dulaney-Browne Library at Oklahoma City University. Robert invested the last years of his working career at OCU, where he enjoyed supporting the needs of faculty and students through his work in the office of inter-library loans. Robert died at his home on August 12, 2014, of an undetermined illness. Robert was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by two brothers, Norman Bryant of Broken Arrow and Bill Bryant of Oklahoma City. His survivors also include blended family members: Cinda Schaeffer of Okarche, JoLynn Admire of Tulsa, Richard Walner of Catoosa, Stacie Duke of Tulsa, and Toni Alley of Tulsa. Robert is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and others whom Robert loved and admired. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, August 16th, at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 North May Avenue, in Oklahoma City. Memorial gifts may be made to Oklahoma City University, 2501 N. Blackwelder, OKC 73106. On personal checks, make a notation of "Ed Bryant," and your gift will be designated for a student scholarship fund. To make an online contribution, please visit www.okcu.edu and look for the online giving option.