Funeral services for William E. Bryan, 90, of Livingston, Texas, will be held Friday, September 29, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Livingston, Texas with Rev. Roger Clayton officiating. Interment will take place in the Woodlawn Garden of Memories Cemetery in Houston, Texas at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2017. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2017 in the Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas. Mr. Bryan was born on September 5, 1927, in Freeport, Texas, and went to be with our Lord on September 22, 2017, at home surrounded by family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Hattie Mae Bryan; brother, Hubert Bryan; sister, Margarite Turner; and granddaughter, Melodie Esparza.

He is survived by his sister, Peggy Roberts; children, Barbara Esparza, Beverly Kimball and spouse, Charles Kimball, Brenda Bryan and spouse, Terri Smith, Boyd Bryan and spouse, Hector Flores, Betsy Bryan and Victor Smith; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

After marrying in 1951 he moved to La Porte, Texas where he resided for forty years and raised his five children. He accepted Christ into his life and became a member Bayshore Baptist Church where he was also a Deacon.  He worked at Shell Oil Refinery in Deer Park, Texas, where he was affectionately known as "Hoot Owl" and retired after 42 years of service.

Upon retirement he took up traveling for a couple of years and visited many places in Europe as well as spending a year touring Alaska to experience first-hand its many natural wonders. Upon completion of his travels he realized a lifelong dream, "to own a farm" and moved to Livingston, Texas.  He became a member of the First United Methodist Church of Livingston and an active member of the Polk County Forestry and Land Owners Association holding the office of President for several years.

The two great joys of his life were his love for family and country.  He served in the United States Navy during World War II and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, VFW PO #8568.  He became famous at the post for consistently selling the most tickets to the Bar B Q Fundraisers they hosted. He was also a lifelong member of Masonic Lodge of the Eastern Star.

He was a tremendous son, brother, father, grandfather and friend.  He never knew a stranger, he would talk to anyone that would stand still long enough for him to say "hello" to, which would likely take an hour.  Whenever he saw someone in need, he was often the first one to lend a hand or sometimes just a shoulder.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com