Kenneth Morton Bryant

Kenneth M. Bryant, 96, of Goshen, died early Tuesday afternoon, July 3, 2012, at his home. He had been in declining health for the last couple months. He was born August 14, 1915 in Lagro to Warren and Elizabeth (Dufton) Bryant. He married Ruby E. Deafenbaugh April 24, 1937 in Warsaw. She survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Loretta (Nathan) Eshelman of Lutz, Florida, Cindy (Jim) Tyson of Goshen, and Tami (Charles) Mohler of Syracuse; two sons, Tim (Barbara) Bryant of Jackson, Tennessee, and Todd M. (Angela) Bryant of Princeton; 22 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Rita Lockerbie of Goshen. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Lockerbie; two sisters, Martha Cole and Dortha Doyle; a brother, Eugene Bryant; and a son-in-law Ralph Lockerbie. Kenneth was a graduate of Linlawn High School, Wabash County. He and his wife moved to Goshen in 1944 and he worked for the, what is now Johnson Controls. He retired in 1981 as a maintenance foreman, after 38 years. Kenneth was a member of the Johnson Control Retirees Club, the local AARP and the West Goshen Church of the Brethren where he sang in the choir. He also was a Red Coat at Goshen Hospital for 20 years. He was a man of faith, commitment and devotion based upon his love for Jesus Christ. His desire that his entire family would walk with God was regularly mentioned, especially in the last several months. During that time, God gave him numerous visions and dreams of heaven. Some of these included words of personal encouragement from Jesus Christ for him, his family, and others. Kenneth's life of devotion was also reflected in the 75 years of marriage which he and his wife, Ruby, celebrated this spring. He generously shared his skills in plumbing, electric, construction, and gardening to serve his family and many others. Friends may call 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at the West Goshen Church of the Brethren, and one hour prior to the 10:00 a.m. funeral service on Monday, July 9, 2012, with Pastor Norm Replogle officiating. Burial will follow in West Goshen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to West Goshen Church of the Brethren or to Goshen Care at Home Hospice.