11/14/2025
Norman John Bryant, 93, of Ashland Illinois, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Sunny Acres Nursing Home near his hometown of Petersburg. Norman was surrounded by lived ones and had just received military honors as it was Veteran’s Day.
Norman was born April 25, 1932, in Springfield. He was raised on farms near Salisbury and Pleasant Plains by Helen and Ray Grider. He was thankful for his experiences growing up on the farm, and often would say, “You can take the boy off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy!”
Norman graduated from Petersburg Harris High School, class of 1951. He played on the first football team in school history and remained close to many of his classmates through the years. After High School and more time on the farm, he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korea Era, and served his country proudly as a Sailor on the USS Coral Sea Aircraft Carrier in the Mediterranean Sea from 1953-54. He loved the experience of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight in 2013. He faithfully served with Ashland Local VFW and American Legion Posts, honoring many fellow Veterans with the Military Color Guard.
Norman met the love of his life, Nance Pennock, at Moonlight Gardens Roller Skating Rink in Springfield, they were introduced by mutual friends. Norman and Nance were married November 2, 1957, and recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. Together they raised their children in Ashland, serving their community and their churches in many ways. Many friends and kids of all ages felt welcome in their home.
Missing him but looking forward to joining from in Heaven are his wife Nance, daughters Debra (Bill) Gruen of Ashland, Amy (Randy) Christison of rural Tallula, and son David (Gina) Bryant of Pittsfield. His early life taught us that family is those you love and those who love you. He enjoyed the blessing of 6 step grandchildren and their spouses, 14 step great-grandchildren, 3 step great grandsons, 2 special little boys who became like family, and many friends of all ages. Preceding Norman in death were his foster parents Ray and Helen Grider, and a daughter Pamela Kay.
Our family would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the support and care our father received from staff of both Sunny Acres Nursing Home and Elara Hospice.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 A.M. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Richland Creek Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, with burial and Military Honors at Ashland Cemetery. The family will greet friends and family from 9:30 A.M.-11 A.M. prior to the service. Following the graveside service, all are invited to Richland Creek for a meal and time of fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Ashland VFW or American Legion Posts, Sunny Acres Nursing Home, Richland Creek Baptist Church, or the Charity of your choice. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of the arrangement. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.
