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Clifford T. Bryant, of Kansas City, MO, passed away on Feb. 20, 2018, four days short of his 98th birthday, at the Kansas City Hospice House. Born on Feb. 24, 1920, Clifford lived his entire life in the Kansas City area, and graduated from Northeast High School in 1938. After high school, he enrolled at Kansas City, Kansas Community College. Like many in his generation, he was drafted into the Army during World War II and served in Texas and Germany.
Upon returning to this country, he took advantage of the GI Bill and attended the University of Kansas where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in bacteriology. He then entered into a doctorate program at KU, but was unable to complete it because of family obligations.
He met his wife, Helen Martin, at a dance studio where she was an instructor. They were married on Sept. 29, 1951, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Kansas City, KS. Helen predeceased him in 2000 after 49 years of marriage. Together they raised four children.
Clifford worked as a chemist at Patterson's before joining the Food and Drug Administration as an investigator in 1957. He spent most of his professional life working to ensure that our food, pharmaceutical products and home and agricultural chemicals were safe for consumers. He traveled extensively in this role, mostly in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. His career with the FDA spanned 23 years; he retired in 1980.
Throughout his life, Clifford was an avid gardener. He was particularly proud of his weed-free lawns, beautiful roses and impressive African Violets. Everyone knew that spring was just around the corner when he started his flowers and vegetables from seed in his basement under his extensive configuration of grow lights.
He also enjoyed reading the daily newspaper, laughing at the comics, perusing his seed catalogues, watching PBS news shows along with reruns of The Lawrence Welk Show and conversing about current events. Among the many heartwarming memories his family will forever cherish are his sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye when he was giving, or receiving, a "line of malarkey".
Clifford was a kind and gentle soul, yet he sported a stubborn streak, which may explain his long and productive life. He was a wonderful and caring father and grandfather who took an active interest in his children's and grandchildren's lives and great pride in their accomplishments.
He and Helen were longtime members of St. Bernadette's Catholic Church where they were involved in many activities. Clifford served as a Boy Scout leader and school parent volunteer. For many years, as a Eucharistic Minister, he distributed Communion to patients at Research Hospital. Other affiliations included The Kansas City Rose Society and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Council 4962.
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