NEWBURGH – Benoni “Earl” Bryant, 83, died March 28, 2008, at the Maine Veterans’ Home, Bangor, with his family by his side. He was born June 1, 1924, in Sherman Mills, the son of George and Flora (Harriman) Bryant. Earl attended school in Sherman Mills and in 1941 enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Italy during World War II. He was discharged in 1946 as a staff sergeant. After returning to the states he settled in Newburgh, and in 1971 he married his best friend, Evelyn (Woodrow) Bryant. Earl worked for Fox & Ginn Trucking Co., and retired in 1986. Earl’s retirement gave him and Evelyn the chance to travel throughout the United States in their motor home. He loved to tell stories of all the places they had been, especially Alaska. Earl enjoyed caring for his vegetable gardens, playing cards with his buddies and cribbage. He was a member and past master of Archon Masonic Lodge No. 75 of Dixmont, member of Anah Shrine of Bangor and a lifetime member of Isaac E. Clewley VFW Post No. 4917 of Brewer. Earl was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Glennis Ruth (Getchell) Bryant; his son, Rodney Earl Bryant; three brothers, Denzil, Foster and Norris; and one sister, Eleanor Murray. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Evelyn of Newburgh; a son, Randy and his wife, Terry, of Newburgh; a stepson, George C. Allen III and his wife, Pauline, of Holden; his grandchildren, Travis Bryant, Joseph Bryant, Frank Bryant and his wife, Pam, Fred Bryant, George C. Allen IV, Justin Doble and Paige Doble; one great-grand-son, George C. Allen V; a very special niece, Bobbie McCullah of Washington; many nieces and nephews. In addition, Earl will be dearly missed by the Upham family, who knew him as Grandpa. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Knowlton Cemetery, Newburgh, with the Rev. Mark Rustin officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Earl’s memory to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, care of Anah Shrine, P.O. Box 735, Bangor, ME 04402-0735. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral and Cremation Services, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence and mem-ories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
BENONI ‘EARL’ BRYANT
