Thomas G Bryant, Jr.

Thomas G. Bryant, Jr., 70, of Mascoutah, IL, born September 29, 1954, in Bethesda, Maryland, died Thursday, March 6, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

Tom started driving trucks early and was proud of and enjoyed all aspects of his lifelong career in trucking. He drove commercial trucks more than 45 years, both locally and over the road. He gave up driving for dispatching for several years but eventually returned to driving trucks. Health issues mandated an abrupt retirement; he never stopped wanting to return to work. His retirement years focused on his dog Mollie, his family, great friends, his passion for Mustangs, and online car racing.

Tom had a keen passion for stock cars. Early in his teens and many years to follow, you could find him and his brothers at Belle-Clair Speedway on Friday nights, following his lifelong hero, Donnie Klein Donnie and his family took Tom in as part of their pit crew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Charlotte Bryant, nee Abrahamson; his grandparents, Clifford and Glenice Abrahamson and George and Carrie Belle Bryant; and infant granddaughter, Evelyn Wilson; and his brother Larry Bryant. Tom and Larry enjoyed a special friendship which could not be broken. He never stopped grieving Larry’s loss.

Surviving are Tom’s son and daughter-in-law, Lenny & Brandy Bryant, and his grandchildren Kennedy (Nathan Welch) and Braden (Rylee Kriete). Tom passed on his love of mustangs to his son and grandson, as each have their own. Brandy enjoyed driving Tom’s mustang any chance she could. His granddaughter will continue to proudly wear her horseshoe ring that he passed down to her. In addition to this, the family could always count on Tom for a random phone call to discuss his innovative cuisines.

Long-time partner and best friend, Valerie, along with her daughter Erica and Tom Wilson with their children, Harrison and Eleanor, survive. Harrison and Ellie loved the time they spent with Tom and Val earning money and playing games. Tom and Val enjoyed many years together boating and camping with friends. Val continued to stand by Tom through his health battles. Tom and Val shared a great friendship and a greater love for their dogs. Tom was totally devoted to their dog Mollie. Everywhere Tom went, Mollie wasn’t far behind. She filled his days with love, laughter, joy, and more love.

Siblings surviving are sister, Sue King and family – Brian (Jennifer) King and their children, Olivia and Taylor, Darren King (Tina Yang) and their children, Quinn and Brooks, all of Champaign, IL, sister, Diane Bryant, of Mascoutah, and family - Chelsea Tomlinson and her child (Tatiana McWilliams) of St. John’s, FL, and brother, Bob (Brenda) Bryant and family – Derek (Emily) Bryant and their children, Camdyn and Charlotte, all of Mascoutah, and Kelsey (Marc) Vitulli, and their child, Luca of Austin, Texas.

Lenny’s mom, Joanie Shoup, remained a dear friend to Tom, with her daughter Wendy and children Alan and Adam.

Tom’s goal in life was to make people smile and laugh, especially his sisters. Tom had an abundance of friends and stories that he enjoyed repeating and re-telling. Special thanks to his countless friends who have stood by him throughout his life.

Sincere gratitude to all healthcare professionals who helped Tom. Special thanks to Dr. Pritchett, Stephanie, and the team at Rural Family, Andrea and Theresa, thank you for making rehab fun for Tom.

In lieu of all gifts, memorials may be made to Mascoutah Food Pantry, 17 W. Main St., Mascoutah, IL 62258 or American Heart Association (heart.org).

“Hey Dad,” Lenny says, “1012 signing off to 1016 one last time. I love you.”

Celebration of Life: From 4 to 7 PM Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL.