Danny Ray Bryant

2 MIN. READ 

Danny Ray Bryant went peacefully to be with his Lord on May 22, 2024, in Pueblo, Colo., with his family at his side. There isn’t much that needs to be said, because if you were blessed enough to know him, you already know he was goodness, he was joy, and he was love. He shared this with every person with whom he came in contact. Danny is the son of Dexter and Rosetta (Downs) Bryant, and older brother to his beloved sister, Robbin (Thomas) Langley. He was born on Feb. 26, 1953, in South Charleston, W.Va. God found him at the age of 15 and from that day on, Danny served him faithfully and made it his life work (and hobby) to share his message. He met his wife of 47 years, Naomi (Willowby) in Anderson, Ind., where they were students at Anderson College. He began seminary in Anderson and completed his master’s in the Chicago area, while serving as youth pastor at the First Church of God in Oak Lawn, Ill. His youth group became and remain family, and he was proud of them. In 1981, he accepted the call to pastor the First Church of God in Pueblo, Colo., where he lovingly and willingly served the church and the community for 41 years. Danny and Naomi were blessed with three beautiful and beloved children, Elizabeth (Aaron) Del Priore, Rachel (Wes) Foster and Jonathan; two perfect grandsons, Gavin and Owen Del Priore, were his pride and joy. There was room in Danny’s heart for “beautiful Japanese daughter” Chie (Hiro) Noda and grandchildren Nihoka and Tanaho. He and Naomi have also claimed many other children and grandchildren as their own over the years. There was never a doubt that Danny loved his sweet nieces and nephews and their families as his children—Nathan, Laura, Daniel, and Zachary. He had numerous friends, family, and a wonderful neighborhood who were so loved and so special. You all know who you are! Thank you! Talking about his hobbies, which were numerous, his generosity, accomplishments, and contributions to the world would take too long, as they are endless and can be compiled into one sentence. He loved God, he loved his family, and he truly loved each and every person with whom he came in contact. He simply made the world a better place.

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.