Nathaniel Raleigh Bryant Jr

Nathaniel Raleigh Bryant, Jr., son of Helen 'Louise' (Williams) and Nathaniel Bryant Sr. was born February 21, 1934 in Palmyra, Missouri. He received his primary education in Palmyra and Hannibal. He furthered his education by graduating from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri.



Nathaniel left Missouri for Des Moines, Iowa in 1957. He was united in matrimony to Mary Webb on June 28, 1958 in Quincy, IL. Following a two-year tenure in Des Moines, Mr. Bryant transferred to Cedar Rapids where he accepted a job with government during the grassroots creation of the Medicare System. In 1966, he returned to Des Moines as a probation officer for the state of Iowa. It was there he became interested in mentoring and educating young people. In 1968, Nathaniel became an administrator for the Des Moines Public school system. He served for many years at Callanan Jr. High. Nathaniel had a no nonsense approach for education and discipline. He was a great communicator who loved discussing world and current affairs. He loved working crossword puzzles, was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and a proud member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.



On July 21, 2014, Nathaniel stepped from time into eternity. He was 80 years old. Preceding him in death were his parents and eldest grandson, Carl Clayton Jenkins, II. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Mary Bryant; his daughters, Peggy (Walter) Young, Natalie, Mary Beth and Amy Bryant, his grandsons; Nathan (Laura) Bryant and Marcus Young; a great grandson, Cartier Bryant; siblings, James (Helen), Charles (Rochelle), Kathy (Charles) Jones, Charlotte (Anthony) Marbury, a nephew, James, nieces Karen, Janice, Olivia and Madison Marbury and Haleigh Jones, as well as a host of extended nieces, nephews, former students and friends.

Per Nathaniel's wish, no services or visitation is planned.