Chester Mac Bryant

Chester Mac Bryant, 92, of Mansfield, went to join his beautiful wife, Ada, in Heaven on Friday, April 13, 2018. He was born November 2, 1925, in Corbin, Kentucky, to the late William Arthur and Maude (Click) Bryant.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving from 1942-1945 and was aboard the USS Steamer Bay, as a water tender for much of that time. After his discharge, he returned to Corbin, Kentucky where he met the love of his life, Ada M. Clouse. They married in 1948, sharing 69 years of love and laughter until her passing in October 2017. They lived in Colorado, Corbin, and finally settled in Ohio in 1955. His family was his greatest joy, and when they were around Chester always had a smile on his face. His stories and laughter will long be remembered by all of them. He was an avid Cleveland Indians baseball fan, enjoyed golf, woodworking and traveling anywhere the notion took him. Never one to stop learning, Chester obtained his pilot license at the age of 75. He was an animal lover and enjoyed their companionship over the years. Chester was a member of Ontario United Methodist Church. He was also a member of V.F.W. Post #7651 and was formerly a Mason.

Chester worked at the Mansfield News Journal for 26 years where he was a linotype operator, photon operator, sports writer, and a part of the circulation/distribution department. He also worked at Tappan, was a school bus driver for local schools and performed small engine repair. Working at the News Journal, he had the opportunity to meet many sports figures including Jim Brown, Joe DiMaggio, and Sam McDowell. Chester interviewed Jack Nicklaus every year at the Firestone Country Club during the World Series of Golf and had the pleasure of walking the 18th fairway with him several times. An all around sports fan and promoter of youth sports, he was responsible for all of the Ontario Warrior football, basketball and baseball articles. He took many pictures during the 60s and 70s of area athletes that now are a part of their precious scrapbooks.

He is survived by five children, Candice Lynn Hellinger, Art (Penny) Bryant, Mike Bryant (Pam Bebout), Bruce (Shelly) Bryant and Kim (Mike) Atwell; twelve grandchildren, Nicole (Aaron) Herring, Scott (Kristin) Hellinger, Aaron Bryant (fiancee`, Bridget Lewellan), Stephanie (Adam) Knepper, Tiffany Bryant (Zeke Pocock), Tarah (Wayne) Guisinger; Jason (Britney) Bryant, Heath Bebout, Kali (Steve) Franko, Dustin Bryant (fiancee`, Ashley Miley), Brandon (Kara) Bryant, and Ryan Bryant; eleven great-grandchildren, Shelby (Todd II) Lott, Jayde Herring, Sierra Zobrist, CJ Hellinger, Braedon Hellinger, Dylan Hellinger, Emma Hellinger, Jillian Cole, Kylie Pocock, Morgan Pocock, Annabel Bryant, Adam Knepper and Susannah Knepper; and one great-great grandchild, Adelaid Elizabeth Lott. Chester is also survived by many nieces and nephews; and special friends, Gene York, Tucker Mac and Stormy (Charm) Dailey.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, David Arthur Bryant; a sister, Leah Nancy Charles; a great-grandchild, Trisen D. Crabtree; and a favorite aunt and uncle, Roxie and Charlie Bryant.

The family will receive friends from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The memorial service conducted by Rev. Peg Welch will follow at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife in Ontario Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ontario United Methodist Church or Hospice of North Central Ohio.