ERNEST EDWARD BRYANT, Ph.D

Ernest Edward Bryant, was the first of three children born to the union of Ernest Thomas Bryant and Mary E. Shuler Bryant. Born October 3, 1937, in Gary, Indiana, Ernest departed life temporal for life eternal after a brief illness on January 30, 2005. His parents preceded him in death. Ernest retired from the United States Air Force after a distinguished career. He was a war hero and flew over 1000 combat sorties in Southeast Asia. He served in the Korean Conflict and the Viet Nam War. Among his many military awards are the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross. His education was extensive, starting at Roosevelt High School in Gary and culminating with the Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. A licensed pilot, he enjoyed flying, sailing, and fishing. After his military career, Ernest’s professional experience included service as Assistant professor at Southern Illinois University; Associate Professor and Director of Research, University of Nevada; Deputy City Manager of the City of Las Vegas; Director of Corporate Training and Development, Saudi Arabian Airlines; Director of Operations, Milwaukee Area Technical College; and Dean of Broward Community College in Hollywood, Florida. Ernest leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Diane of Hollywood, Florida; two devoted sisters: Marian (Richard) Comer of Gary, Indiana and Cynthia Tucker of Valinda, California; Step children, Stephanie Eddins, Louis and Shawn Ellis; Nephews, Samuel G. (Joan) Wilson of Washington, DC and Michael Comer of Sacramento, CA; Nieces, Lezlie Thompson and Denise (Major) Dillard of Gary; other relatives and friends. Civil funeral services for Ernest were held in Hollywood, Florida on Saturday, February 5, 2005; Military services and Interment took place on February 11, 2005, at Florida National Military Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.