Robert Eugene Bryans

Robert Eugene Bryans, age 90, of Hasting, MI passed away on January 21, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was the son of Carl and Myrtle (Coleman) Bryans.

He is survived by the love of his life and best friend for 67 years of marriage, Marilyn (Molitor) Bryans.  Also surviving are his sons Robert (Nancy) Bryans of Mason, MI, Bill (Sue) Bryans of Hastings, and daughter Sherri Bryans Baker & Russ Colburn of Jackson, MI.  He is survived by five grandchildren and five great grandchildren, a brother Richard (Betty) Bryans, and sisters Betty James, Belva (Bob) Barry, and Elaine Cooley.

He was proceeded in death by grandson Jason Bryans, son-in-law Mark Baker, sister Evelyn Sprague, brothers-in-law Ken Sprague, Robert James, and Ray Cooley.

Bob graduated from Hastings High School in 1948. He worked at Kroger and met the love of his life, Marilyn prior to proudly enlisting in the Marines and serving during the Korean War from 1950-1953.  Upon returning home he and Marilyn were married on July 11, 1953.  He spent a short time working for Fisher Body before finding his professional home with the Felpausch Food Centers where he retired after 45 years of dedicated service.

Bob had a work ethic that was unmatched.  At a young age he used his bike to haul around a lawn mower to cut the neighbors' grass.  It was that work ethic that would lead him to be named manager at the new Felpausch grocery store in Grand Ledge and retire as district manager.

While at Grand Ledge he oversaw one of the most successful stores in the Felpausch Corporation.   He was a dedicated member of the Grand Ledge Community.  During the 1967 snowstorm, he walked several miles to open the store for his customers.

Upon his retirement, he and Marilyn moved back to his roots in Hastings where he immersed himself in his passions.  Bob loved everything outdoors-related.  If it had fur, feathers, or scales he probably spent many hours in search of it.  He loved the Upper Peninsula as his home away from home.  He also had a passion for fur trapping; proudly often getting top dollar at local auctions.

His knack for growing vegetables and immaculate gardens were the envy of even Horticulture college graduates.  Many people were the thankful benefactors of his "toils in the soil".

For several years Bob and Marilyn hosted an epic, annual barn sale.  Bob's inventory always included a variety of neglected tools that he brought back to life through polish and paint.  His sales were really never about monetary profits and always about his interaction with the good folks that came back every year to buy a little and talk a lot.

Bob was a neighbor's neighbor.  If you had a need, he was there for you.  And no better friend you could have asked for.  If you were his friend, you were friends for life.

Bob was a family man.  His loving wife, three children, grand and great grandchildren are a testament to that certainty.  Though only having a High School diploma, Bob and Marilyn greatly valued education and provided each of their grandchildren enough money for a four year college education.

Bob will be sorely missed by the many that had the privilege of knowing him.  Though his death has created a huge void, those touched by his life are forever blessed and grateful.

Special thanks to Rev. Randall Bertrand, the Woodgrove Brethren Christian Parish, and Spectrum Health Hospice of Grand Rapids.  Donations may be made to Woodgrove Brethren Christian Parish, 4887 Coats Grove Rd., Hastings, MI 49058, or Spectrum Health Hospice of Grand Rapids, 750 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, in Bob's name.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.  To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .