Glen Bryant

Glen Bryant, age 95, passed into eternal life on March 23, 2026 at his home in Portland.

Glen was born and raised in Rochester, Indiana, on April 21, 1930, to Lulu and Glen Bryant. He graduated from North Manchester College with a Bachelor's in Education. He earned two Master's Degrees in Education and Counseling from Ball State University. Glen was an Army Veteran and served as an Artillery Instructor during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Mary, on March 19, 1955, and together they had six children: Gena, Pat, Mark, Amy, Bill, and Betsy.

Glen moved to Portland, Indiana, in 1956 and began his career at Portland High School. Over his 34 years of active employment in the Jay School Corporation, Glen served as a teacher, football coach, basketball coach, school counselor, and driver's education teacher. He retired from Jay School Corporation in 1989, having influenced and impacted thousands of students across nearly four decades.

In his spare time, Glen was a bricklayer. This was his “summer job”, and he owned his own masonry company in Portland (Bryant & Sons Masonry).

In addition to his remarkable educational career, Glen immersed himself in servant leadership across Jay County. He was a member of the Portland Elks Club and was honored with Elk of the Year for his work with their scholarship program. He belonged to the Lions Club and earned multiple honors there, including Most Valuable Lion. Glen was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Portland and was on their Board of Trustees. He was a 50+ year member of the Portland American Legion Post 211 and served in their Honor Guard, where he was Sergeant at Arms for many years.

Glen was an avid volunteer in this community in many ways. He volunteered for the IU Health Jay Hospital Auxiliary, working in the surgical waiting room and the emergency room. He also volunteered for the Second Harvest Food Bank. He was a member of the Museum of the Soldier and the Jay County Historical Society. He worked with the State Board of Appeals Selective Services regarding draft registration. Additionally, he served on the Portland City Council for eight years. In 2019, he was awarded the Lifestream Golden Hoosier award. In 2022, he was awarded the Spirit of Vicki Life Time Achievement Award by the Jay County Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, Glen received the Patriot Service Award from the Jay School Corporation and the Impact on Youth & Long Service award.

Faith was an Integral part of Glen's life. He joined Asbury United Methodist Church in 1956. He served on their Board of Trustees, taught Sunday School, was a 20+ year member of the Usher Committee, and participated in two mission trips to assist in hurricane – devastated areas.

Glen had many hobbies and led a very active life. When his kids were young, he would load up the family station wagon and drive to points of interest across the country to camp, learn, and to give Mary a break at home. He loved playing golf. He spent many years refereeing football and basketball games in this area. He enjoyed playing pool at the Masonic Lodge and doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Most of all, he dearly loved and treasured playing bridge 2 – 3 times a week with a very special group of friends.

Glen was greeted in Heaven by his parents, brother Harold Bryant, his wife Mary, and his sons Pat, Mark, and Bill and Son-in-law Mitch Sutton.

He is survived by his loving Family:

Gena (John) Coers – Muncie, Indiana, Jan Bryant – Angola, Indiana, Amy Sutton – Portland, Indiana, Holly Bryant – Muncie, Indiana, Betsy (Jim) Fenning – Portland, Indiana, and Scott West – neighbor and close friend.

Grandchildren:

Emily, Bryan (Maggie), Dalton (Haley), Jessica (Josh), James (Trinity), Molly (Preston), Alex (Hannah), Heidi, Kendall (Matthias), Maddie (Brady), and Neal (Miranda).

He was “Great Glenny” to 19 great-grandchildren ranging from 11 years old to 3 months old and counting.

The family is grateful to the Portland community for the ways it has shown love and appreciation to Glen throughout his life. They look forward to celebrating his incredible life with you.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 2 pm – 7 pm at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Portland, visitation will also be held one hour prior to the services on Saturday at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1 pm at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Pastor Josh Arthur and Pastor Darrel Borders will officiate and burial will follow at Green Park Cemetery. American Legion Post 211 will be in charge of Military Rites. Masonic services will be held prior to the funeral services at the funeral home.

The Family requests no flowers, plants, or gifts. Instead, please consider donating in Glen's honor to the American Legion Honor Guard, the IU Health Jay Volunteer and Auxiliary Office, or an organization of the donor's choice.