April 21, 1942 – September 29, 2026
Ross McKay Bryan, 84, Gardner, Kansas passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at his home. Celebration of Life will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2026 at The Tumbleweed, 615 E. Main, Gardner, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Louis Semple Clarke Educational Fund. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com
Ross was born April 2, 1942 to Ludwell Beach and Anna Elizabeth (Kimball) Bryan. He graduated in 1960 from Gardner High School. Ross was a railroad machinist for the Santa Fe Railroad. He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1963-1967. Ross had a passion for mechanics, starting his mechanical career at age five, repairing a toy truck. At age 13, he began working on farm equipment for neighbors. After high school, Ross worked for several machine shops and built high-performance engines. He was chairman of the Santa Fe Railroad Retirees Association for several years and organizer of the Classic Auto Car and Truck group and American Truck Historical Society.
Ross was preceded in death by his parents Ludwell and Anna and brother Lowell Bryan. He is survived by children: Tammy Jean Swann-Laneville, Show Low, Arizona, Sandra M. Swann-Heck, Lawrence, Kansas and Tony Edward Swann, Gardner, Kansas; siblings: Kim Bryan, Garnett, Kansas, Dave Bryan, Gardner, Kansas and Ardis Ann Bryan, Salina, Kansas; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Arrangements: Bruce Funeral Home, 106 S. Center, Gardner, Kansas (913) 856-7111
Obituary published by Bruce Funeral Home.
