Dawson Byron Bryant

Dawson Byron Bryant, 35, beloved son, husband, and father was taken home to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 18, 2015.  The visitation with Dawson's family will be from 6:00-8:00PM on Friday, July 24 hosted at The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest located at 602 Meander in Abilene, Texas.  Funeral services will also be held at Heavenly Rest on Saturday, July 25 at 10:00AM.  A short reception at Heavenly Rest and a graveside burial will follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery located at 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, Texas.  On Saturday evening at 6:00PM a celebration of life has been planned by the family at Firehouse Bar and Grill located at 2074 Butternut on the patio.

Dawson Byron Bryant was born on August 10, 1979 in Abilene, Texas.  He was the youngest son of John William Bryant and Betsy Henderson Bryant.  Dawson was a 1998 graduate of Abilene High School and was a highly spirited, genuinely comical, and adventurous young man.   Dawson was fiercely loyal and devoted to family and friends from all walks of life.  He was kind and courteous and truly one of the funniest, most talented storytellers many of us have ever known.  Dawson adored his mother and father and always stayed close to home and in constant contact.  He was blessed to work with his brother at Airgas as a salesman and was employed with them at the time of his passing.

Dawson married Courtney Lynn Boyd on May 16, 2009 and they were gifted a beautiful son, Gage, that same year.  Dawson adored being a father and prided himself on quality time with his "Gagemania."  In 2013, Katherine was born, and blessed their family for a second time.  All who meet her, even at age 2, say that her vivacious personality and strong-willed spirit will be Dawson in female form for this world.

From the time that Dawson's son was born, he threw himself wholeheartedly into his role as a father.  As soon as Gage could walk, Dawson began teaching and coaching his son's teams, serving as a Sunday School teacher, and being totally engrossed in being the best dad he could be.  From Dawson's own words, Gage and Katherine are his greatest achievement and proudest legacy.

Dawson is survived by his parents, John and Betsy Bryant of Abilene, Texas; his wife Courtney and their children Gage and Katherine; his brother John William Bryant II and his wife Tina of Tuscola, Texas; his sister Emily Reichert and husband Kevin of Georgetown, Texas.  Additionally, he was blessed with many nieces and nephews--Allison, Reese, Kellon, Grace, and Hannah.  He also had many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Dawson was adored by his family and all of his friends.  His untimely passing has been devastating to all, however the outpouring of love and support from the community, church, his employer, and friends is a testament to the love Dawson showed others and how much he is truly loved and missed.

Pallbearers for Dawson include: Chance Lackey, Joel Rake, David Collins, Josh Flores, Chad Galle, Ryan Wright, Casey Riley, Cade Emerson, Chase Easley, David Ritter III, and James Bryant.

Memorial donations may be sent in lieu of flowers to the Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union at PO Box 5706, Abilene, Texas, 79608 by check with notation "Dawson Bryant Memorial Fund--#40537-2" which will be a 529 College Fund Account for Dawson's children, Gage and Katherine.  Donations to this fun can also be made via debit card by calling 325.677.2274.

Funeral services provided by Fry-Smith Funeral Home of Tuscola, Texas, at 502 Kent Avenue (www.fry-smith.com) and by The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest.