Jackie Dale Bryant

Funeral services for Jackie Bryant will be held Monday, October 14, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at a later date at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, LA.

Jackie Dale Bryant, Colonel (Retired), passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024. Born on June 14, 1932 in Bastrop, LA, Jackie was the beloved son of Lindon and Mary Bryant. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Gloria Faye Durr Bryant; his son Bruce (Mary; his daughter Cynthia Fleck (Jamey); and cherished grandchildren, Patrick, Matthew, Michael, Preston, and Catherine (Josh). He is preceded in death by his parents and his dear sister, Joyce Vardeman.

A lifelong learner, Jackie graduated with honors from Louisiana Tech University in 1954 with a BS in Botany, earned an MBA from Southern Illinois University in 1971, and graduated from Air War College in 1980.

Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1954, Jackie began a distinguished military career that included flying B-36s in the Strategic Air Command. After a brief stint in private enterprise, he returned to active duty, marrying Gloria on June 4, 1961, shortly before being called back to service.

Throughout his career, Jackie flew C-124 and C-141 aircraft at various bases, including deployments to Vietnam, where he flew over fifty combat missions as an advisor. His leadership as Commander of the 18th Military Airlift Squadron and his role on the Military Airlift Command Staff at Scott AFB showcased his dedication to both his country and his crew. By the time he retired, he had logged over 8,000 flying hours and earned numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with 1OLC, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Honor Medal.

After retiring, Jackie and Gloria returned to Louisiana, fulfilling their dream of building a beautiful home on the Cane River. Here, Jackie thrived in his role as “PawPaw”, creating countless memories with his grandchildren – fishing off the dock, fixing tangled lines, and sharing watermelon in the driveway. He was a pillar of his community, dedicating his time to his church and local Boy Scouts – always ready with a story, a helping hand, and an open door.

The family is deeply grateful to Jackie’s doctors, nurses, physical therapists, hospice, caregivers, and VA for their compassionate support during his journey. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of love and service will liv on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches, or the charity of your choice.