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Funeral: 1 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora
Interment: Powers Cemetery, Xenia
Visitation: 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home
Johnny Pete Bryan, age 80, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
He was born August 29, 1945, in Marion County, the son of Matthew A. and Gean M. (Phariss) Bryan. He was a graduate of Flora High School and resided in Xenia for most of his life.
On July 24, 1963, at 18 years old, Johnny became the second generation of Bryans to work on Illinois Central Railroad. Johnny worked as a track welder for Illinois Central, later renamed Canadian National Railroad in 1999, ultimately retiring on August 29, 2005, after 43 years of service. In his early years, he enjoyed coon hunting and farming. Johnny spent his time between working on the railroad, raising cattle, and farming throughout his adult life. He was said to have a “green thumb” and could make anything grow. After retirement from the railroad, Johnny continued to raise cattle, farm, and work outside taking care of his life’s work. Johnny was married to Shirley (Hough) Bryan on October 21, 1972, at the Methodist Church in Flora.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Shirley Bryan of Xenia; children: Jeff A. Bryan of Xenia, Jim M. Bryan and wife Jessica of Salem, Shelley A. Bryan of Xenia, and Angela R. Pruitt and husband Nelson of Xenia; grandchildren: Andrew John Bryan Arnone of Flora and Kyler Le Bryan of Salem; siblings: Lula Grace (Bryan) Garrison and husband Chip of Xenia, Carol (Bryan) Little and husband Harry of Xenia, and Margie (Bryan) Fey and husband Rick of Arizona; 6 nieces and nephews; and 2 great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in passing by his parents; and siblings: Peggy (Bryan) Hinterscher and Billie Jean (Bryan) Heiden.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Brother Jeff Hough officiating. Interment will follow in Powers Cemetery, Xenia. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Heart Association, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Oct 21, 1951 - May 29, 2026
Jul 24, 1944 - May 29, 2026
Aug 29, 1945 - May 24, 2026
Jan 23, 1938 - May 22, 2026
May 3, 1974 - May 8, 2026
Shirley, so sorry for your loss. we will be praying for you all.
So very sorry to hear of passing of Johnny Pete as we all knew him by, Leaving our sympany and condolances to Shirley and all of his family .
Johnny, Pete and I were good friends in high school, because our last names were about the same we were side-by-side for about everything, he went home with me and met my dad, and was very impressed that my dad was the Mayor of Flora Illinois. I offer my condolences, and my sincere apologies to the family of Johnny Pete Bryan , rest in peace, Johnny, you deserve it!
so sorry for you’re loss, may you find pease in your memories
My sincerest sympathy.
Stephanie I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family. Angela
My condolences to the family 🙏🤍🙏
Prayers for all the Family, He was a great Husband and Father, Grandad
John, you are a great friend, a great family man, and a great railroad man. We love and miss you ! If God has cattle in heaven, I know you are taking care of them. Rest in Peace my friend.
So sorry for ur loss God bless
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
