Donald S. O’Bryant, 91, passed away on September 19, 2021 in Stevensville MI. He was born on March 17, 1930 in Buchanan to Alfred and Lucille (Ritter) O’Bryant. A proud moment in his life came when he played with Buchanan’s 1947 “Big 7” Championship football team. Don graduated from Buchanan High School with the class of 1948. Two years later, on July 15, 1950, he was married to his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Marjean Sebasty. In the course of their 59-year marriage, they raised a family of seven children.
For more than 35 years, Don was employed by Indiana & Michigan Electric Company. In his role as a lineman, and later a troubleshooter, he was one of those brave and loyal men who go out into the storms, both in the winter’s cold and the summer’s heat, to restore electricity to the community. When he retired from I & M in 1990, he and Marjean moved to their summer home in Lake Ann MI, where they lived for many years. In 2002, they returned to Berrien County, purchasing a home in Niles.
Don and Marjean were members of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Buchanan and in later years, St. Mary’s Parish in Niles. Marjean passed away in May of 2009.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Marjean; two brothers, Micheal and Richard O’Bryant; a son-in-law, James West; and a brother-in law, Joseph Capps. His sister Kathryn Capps and his sister-in-law Helen O’Bryant survive, as well as many nieces and nephews.
His passing is mourned by his children: Deborah (Joseph) Lonie, Patricia West, Rose (Hank) Christopher, Mary (Robert) Wawrzynczak, Carol (Reinhard) Brandt, John (Juli) O’Bryant, and Paula (Karl) Kroening, and by 17 grandchildren, ¬¬¬¬17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Monday, September 27, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, 219 S. State St., Niles. Inurnment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan. A time of gathering will take place one hour prior, from 10-11 am also at church. Memorial contributions can be made to Hanson House in Stevensville MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swem Chapel, Buchanan. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.
Posted On: Monday, September 20, 2021 3:42 PM
