Coronary Attack Causes the Death of Wm. P. Bryant

Bethany Republican-Clipper Wed, Feb 16, 1955 ·Page 1

In hospital for checkup after digestive disturbance- was 69- Christian Church leader.

An unexpected coronary attack brought death soon after 5:30 o'clock Friday morning at a local hospital to William P. Bryant, 69, real estate and insurance broker, and loan agent at Bethany most of his life.

Mr. Bryant entered the hospital Wednesday afternoon. He, Mrs. Bryant, and Dr. and Mrs. J.G. Hinkle had attended the theater the night before, after a supper. A digestive disturbance of Wednesday afternoon was attributed to pie which had seemed not to agree with his health; but entrance to the hospital was also partially for a check up because he had not had one recently.

Death Sudden

A cardiograph showed normal tracings. Mr. Bryant seemed much improved Thursday night, and was expected to be at his office Friday. He was in good condition when he was visited by a nurse at 5:30 a.m. Friday. Ten minutes later when she stopped to take his temperature, he had died of a coronary occlusion.

Mr. Bryant was a native of Bethany and was a son of Joseph F. Bryant, who accumulated much wealth before his death prior to 1920. There were 11 sons and daughters of Joseph F. Bryant.

Record of Service

In early manhood, after attending the University of Missouri, Mr. Bryant was in a grocery store at Bethany. Later he was with his father in a loan business.

He was first lieutenant of G company, 4th Missouri Infantry, on the Mexican border in 1916-1917.

Mr. Bryant was a past president of the Bethany Rotary Club, a past commander of the Knights Templar Masonic lodge here, and a member of the Country club. He had long been a leader in the First Christian Church. He served the church 20 years as president of the board. At the time of his death he was an elder, and he had been the teacher of the men's (see No. 1 on page 8)