Roger Joe Bryan, 66, of Champaign, passed away Saturday (Aug. 4, 2018) in a motorcycle accident. He was riding with a close group of friends at the time and for that his family is eternally grateful.
Visitation will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday followed by a celebration of life service at 5:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, Champaign.
Joe was born May 31, 1952, in Heyworth, the youngest son of George Bryan and Jessie Mae (Tallon) Bryan. He had two brothers, Mick and Danny Bryan, and a sister, Dixie (Bryan) Martens. Raised on a dairy farm in the outskirts of Heyworth, he grew up riding horses and helping with farm chores. He attended Heyworth High, where he served as president of the FFA and participated in Debate Club. He attended a year at Illinois State University before enlisting in the Army.
In 1975, while stationed in Hawaii, he met and married Robin Northrop. Together they have four children: Amy, Chase, Casey, and Caitlin. They divorced in 1991, but remained family.
Returning to Illinois in the early ’80s, Joe earned his bachelor of science degree in ag economics from the University of Illinois. He continued a 23-year-plus career with the U.S. Army, retiring as major, and worked over two decades with the Champaign Urbana News Agency. His work ethic was unrivaled.
He was a man of God, active in the community and longtime member of First Christian Church. He was committed to the outside communion program and spent many hours, over the years, serving and visiting with shut-ins.
Joe lived an active life until the end, enjoying concerts with friends and family, happy hour at Hubers with his drinking buddies, Sunday afternoons at Letha's table, dancing at the Regent Ballroom, playing the piano, tinkering around his yard and flower gardens, and loving his pets. He was passionate about his Harley Davidson motorcycles and his yearly treks to Sturgis with his friends and son.
He is survived by his children, Amy (Kevin) Monk, Shorewood; Chase (Jennifer) Bryan, Mahomet; Casey (Bruce) Henry, Anna; and Caitlin Bryan, Champaign; eight grandchildren who he loved dearly; a beloved sister-in-law, Letha Bryan, Heyworth; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and a granddaughter.
A simple man, he lived a humble life, filled with purpose and service. He knew how to love people and fulfill needs. His greatest love and joy were his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends. We know he is only riding ahead of us, and we will all catch up with him someday.
Memorials may be sent to the family and will be donated to a veterans' charity in Joe's memory or made to The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation, https:/dtrf.org/.
If donating electronically, please note akamonk@att.net as the recipient email.
Condolences can be sent to the family at Amy Monk, 24557 Rylane Court, Shorewood, IL 60404.