Don S. Bryan

Mr. Don S. Bryan, age 87, passed away from heart failure Saturday, May 1, 2010. Born August 5, 1922 in Bartow, Mr. Bryan was the son of the late Rembert L. and Mabel Spurgin Bryan. Mr. Bryan was a longtime member and ordained deacon in the First Baptist Church of Bartow. He was a graduate of Summerlin Institute, Class of 1940. He played in the Fighting Gator Marching Band while attending the University of Florida. Mr. Bryan, a Captain in the Army Air Corps and Veteran of WWII, piloted B-29 Superfortress Bombers while serving in the 485th and 502nd Heavy Bomb Groups. He remained in the Air Force Reserve for 16 years. Mr. Bryan served his church in various ministries including Sunday School teacher, choir president, brotherhood director, past chairman of deacons. Mr. Bryan, described as a soul-winner by his friends, was a member of Bartow Christian Businessmens Association, and was a sponsor for Dunklin Memorial (detox) Camp at Avon Park. Mr. Bryan, with his father, Rembert, and brother, Leland, in their family operated business, Lake Garfield Nurseries Companies Inc. of Bartow was an innovator in the Citrus Industry. Mr. Bryan's extensive research and development for the benefit of the Citrus Industry included: wind machines and irrigation methods for cold/freeze protection, the industry's first viable citrus hedging / topping system and machine, perfection of Concentrated Citrus Spray application methods and equipment. Mr. Bryan served on the boards and leadership committees of numerous associations including Applied Agricultural Research, Lake Garfield Citrus Co-op, Lake Wales C.G.A., charter member Florida Citrus Mutual, Florida Farm Equipment Show, Growers Fertilizer Co-op., Florida Citrus Production Managers Association, charter member Florida Division of Plant Industry Citrus Budwood Registration Program. He also was a member of Florida Phosphate Council, Florida Citrus Growers Institute, Florida State Horticultural Society, University of Florida President's Council, Florida Citrus Industry Harvesting Committee, Florida Citrus Showcase, Polk County Youth Fair, Polk County Citrus Advisory Committee, International Society of Citriculture. Mr Bryan is survived by his wife of 62 years, Opal Rowland Bryan of Bartow, two sons; Philip Bryan , James Bryan and wife Lyn, and one daughter Julie Bryan all of Bartow. He also leave behind a brother, Leland Bryan and wife Princess of Babson Park, and three grandchildren; Leigh Ann Bryan, Lesley Rae Bryan, and Stephen Bryan. Arrangements are being handled by Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, 650 East Main Street in Bartow where the family will receive friends this evening May 4th from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral services will follow Wed., May 5th at 11:00am at the First Baptist Church of Bartow, 410 East Church Street. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow.