Bruce Jean Bryant, age 86, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2024, at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO.   He was a loved father and grandfather who will be missed by family and the many friends who knew him.

Bruce was born on October 16, 1937, in New Madrid County, MO, where he lived his whole life.  Bruce was proud to have served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963, being stationed in San Francisco Bay and Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Bruce was known in Southeast Missouri as a master mechanic since an early age.  He retired from Reliable Freight Company in Sikeston.  After retirement, Bruce enjoyed working in his small engine shop, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family and granddaughters.

Bruce was the son of the Mercer and Nellie Presson Bryant.

He is survived by his son, Jeff Bryant; granddaughters, Hunter and Callie Bryant; his sister, Yvoin and her husband, Fred Dock; sister in law, Barb Bryant; niece, Shelly, and nephew, Richard, and their children all of Rockford, IL.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, and one brother, Harold Bryant.

His family was the joy of his life, and his memory will be cherished by all that knew him.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 6, 2024, at the McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston. Scott Sutton will officiate.

Interment with military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.