Jake E. Bryant, 92, passed away on May 4, 2025, at his home in rural Burnt Prairie, Illinois. A devoted husband, loving father, adored grandfather and great grandfather, he leaves behind a legacy of faith and a passion for sharing his love of Jesus.
Born on May 13, 1932, in rural Enfield, Jake grew up working hard on the family farm. He developed a love for horses at an early age and it was one that lasted a lifetime. His life spanned skipping school to plow with a team of horses to seeing space travel and the space station.
Jake served in the U.S. Navy, worked in the oil field, Whirlpool in Evansville, Indiana and Peabody Coal Company in Lynnville, Indiana until his retirement in 1994. He then ran his Thoroughbred horse farm, JB Stables, Inc. full-time and was a leading Thoroughbred breeder in Illinois for several years. The pinnacle of his success was the acquisition of a Forty Niner stallion, Cartwright, who was the dominant Thoroughbred stallion in Illinois for several years with over $8 million in progeny earnings.
Jake told his mother he met the girl he was going to marry after his first date with Helen Glover. They were married on June 3, 1953, and their marriage spanned nearly 72 years. Together they raised 3 children: LaVonna (Jon) Miller, Gary (Karen) Bryant both of Fairfield and Janet (George) Adams of Mill Shoals. Jake was a cherished grandfather to Melanie (Josh) Scott, Jessica (Ryan) Fagan, Aaron (Hannah) Miller, and Julie (Reilly) Beer. Great grandchildren are Kate and Kelsie Scott, Carter and Eliana Fagan. Matteo Miller (with a little sister on the way), and Andi Beer. Jake was preceded in death by his parents William O. Bryant and Lana (Fleck) Bryant, brother Robert Bryant, sisters Katherine Konsler and Frances York. He is survived by a sister Dorys Glover and a brother Koy Bryant.
Funeral services for Jake Bryant will be held at 1 PM, Friday, May 9th at the Wesleyan Church of Fairfield, 960 US Hwy 45, Fairfield, IL, with burial services at Maple Hill Cemetery in Fairfield following. Visitation will be held from 11AM till the time of service at the church on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Clay County Hospice or Samaritan’s Purse and will be accepted at the services or the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield.
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