On Saturday, October 10, 2020, lifetime resident of Texas County, Richard “Dicky” Elbert Bryan, loving husband and father of four children, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 64.
Dicky was born on June 21, 1956 in Guymon, OK to Johney and Thelma (Nagel) Bryan. Dicky graduated from Guymon High School in 1974 and then attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University and Oklahoma State University studying Agricultural Business until he returned home to continue working on the family farm. In 2013 he took a step back from the family business to follow the Lord’s calling and take on his role as Texas County Commissioner. On April 16, 1982 he married his first wife, Paula (Carroll) Pearson with whom he had two children, Allison (Bryan) Long and Jonathan Riley Bryan. Even after their marriage ended, Dicky took great pride that he and Paula remained lifelong friends and were able to continue to raise their children together. On May 24, 1996, Dicky married Suzanne (Thompson Ming) Bryan and welcomed her two children Cris Ming and Aron Ming into his family as his own.
Dicky loved his home town and was involved with numerous business ventures and community endeavors. When returning from college, Dicky took great pride in joining the family farming business, Bryan Farms. He considered himself a corn farmer while still raising many other crops. He took pride in his farming and cherished working with his family and friends. He especially liked having his children enter his corn and other harvest items into the Texas County Fair. One of Dicky’s first business ventures in addition to farming was starting BC Tire, as he loved working on vehicles and fixing anything he could get his hands on. Later in life, he enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the community while helping his wife Suzanne operate Zak’s Cheese. In 2012, Dicky was elected to Texas County Commissioner where he served the people of Texas County until his death. He had a great passion for the people of his community and felt that God had led him into that position.
Dicky had a heart of gold and loved his family and friends with all his heart. He was filled with the Lord’s compassion; which Dicky would share with anyone he met especially his family. As the youngest of his four siblings, he quickly asserted he would be the one in charge and to keep them on their toes. He always had his siblings in his thoughts and heart. When he was blessed with his many nieces and nephews, he made it known that he was their protector and spoiler. After having his own children, he cherished his time watching their many activities, whether it be swim meets, baseball games, speech and debate tournaments, school plays, band and choir concerts or any other pursuits. Dicky enjoyed any time he could be with his family, from church retreats, to family reunions to family vacations. He would move heaven and earth to help his family in any way.
Dicky was a lifelong member of the First Church of the Nazarene where he enjoyed being a member of the church choir, men’s quartet, and serving in many other capacities. He grew up knowing the Lord as his parents were original members of the church. He was always known to spread the gospel and used his smile to start a conversation with anyone. He loved helping people and was always just a phone call away for many in need.
He is survived by his wife: Suzanne Bryan of Guymon, Oklahoma; his former wife, Paula Pearson of Guymon, OK; his four children: Cris Ming and wife Ashley of Goodwell, Oklahoma; Allison Long of Houston, Texas; Jonathan Riley Bryan of Bryan, Texas; Aron Ming of Guymon, Oklahoma; he was Papa to: Kamron and Carsen Ming of Goodwell, Oklahoma; William Ming of Guymon, Oklahoma; Rhett and Ross Wilson of Goodwell, Oklahoma; he is also survived by his three siblings: Priscilla and husband David Johnson of Boise City, Oklahoma; Jonette and husband Jess Anderson of Wichita, Kansas; Fred Bryan and wife Robyn of Hooker, Oklahoma; he is survived by sister-in-law: Kathleen and husband Daryl Buckhaults of Buffalo, Oklahoma; he was Uncle to: Mendi and husband Troy White of Boise City, Oklahoma; Kyle Johnson and wife Lori of Forty Fort, Pennsylvania; Julie Moynihan and husband Mike of Fort Worth, Texas; Jay Anderson and wife Tammy of Enid, Oklahoma; Jennifer Anderson and husband Kevin of Wichita, Kansas; Emily Meek and husband Adam of Yukon, Oklahoma; Dakota Buckhaults and wife Yesenia of Alva, Oklahoma; Noble Buckhaults of Alva, Oklahoma; he is survived by his mother-in-law Joann Thompson of Guymon, OK. He is also survived by his many great nieces and nephews: Kanon, Kolby, Johney, Palmer, Jessica, Jackson, Jett, Jayci, Jake, Robert, Jay, Macy, Koa, Tylee and many other special relatives and friends. Dicky was preceded in death by his parents Johney and Thelma Bryan and great nephew Boston Ray Anderson.
Visitation will be held Thursday, October 15th, 2020 from 12:00pm until 8:00pm at Henson-Novak Funeral Home. The family will be receiving visitors at 619 NW 4th Street during this time.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 16th, 2020 at 10:00am at Guymon First Church of the Nazarene with interment following at Elmhurst Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Texas County Charity c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Home, PO Box 1306 Guymon, Ok 73942.
Friends and family may sign the online guest book or leave a condolence at www.hensonnovak.com.
