Laurence E. "Larry" Bryant, 86, passed away June 6, 2011 at Great Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born at Wellsford, Kansas, on September 29, 1924, the son of Ricord and Pearl (Lee) Bryant and the brother of Bill Bryant and Kay Mauch, all of whom preceded him in death. Larry was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U. S. Navy as a Signalman, Second Class. He received several decorations and citations including the Victory Medal, American Campaign Ribbon, and the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon. After discharge from the Navy, Larry attended Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas, and Eckles College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He had been associated with the funeral business since 1947. In 2009, he received special recognition from the Kansas Funeral Directors Association for his years of service. Larry had been active in the Great Bend community over the years, receiving the Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Man of the Year in 1953. He served for eight years as an American Legion Service Officer where he helped countless World War II veterans with claims and insurance through the Veterans Administration. He also spent two terms as Kansas State Child Welfare Chairman for the American Legion. Mr. Bryant was a member of First United Methodist Church, Great Bend. Survivors include his wife, Aileen, of the home; one son, Craig Bryant and wife Nancy, Osceola, Missouri; one daughter, Lexie Frankovich and husband Mike, Houston, Texas; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 9, 2011 at First United Methodist Church. The Reverend Tom Sheldon will officiate. Burial with graveside rites by the United States Navy Honor Guard will be in Great Bend Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to First United Methodist Church or Golden Belt Community Foundation, in care of the funeral home.