Thomas A. Bryan

Thomas A. Bryan, a dedicated poultry veterinarian, esteemed researcher at Purdue University, and longtime Sunday school teacher, passed away peacefully in Carmel, Indiana, on February 21, 2025, at the age of 81, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born on April 24, 1943, in Scott City, Kansas, to Myrtle M. and J. Arthur Bryan, Tom devoted his career to veterinary medicine, specializing in poultry health. His greatest joy was in driving his truck through the hills of southern Indiana, with NPR on the radio, to visit his poultry “patients”. As a researcher at Purdue University, he made significant contributions to the field, particularly in avian disease prevention. His groundbreaking research on avian coronavirus earned him the prestigious Golden Egg Award, solidifying his impact on poultry health and disease control. His work helped shape advancements in the field and contributed to better disease management in the industry.

A quiet and thoughtful man, Tom was known for his deep dedication to his work, faith, and values. For over 35 years, he taught Sunday school at Huntingburg United Methodist Church and dedicated many Saturdays to the church’s work at Maple Grove Campground.

Above all, Tom cherished his family.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Miriam née Mansilla (m. 1970); son, Kenneth Bryan (Nydia) of Wake Forest, daughter, Kristy Bryan (Nathan White) of Carmel; grandchildren, Diego Bryan, Angelo Bryan, Luca Bryan, Nayeli Bryan, Olivia White, Sydney White, and Mackenzie White; and brother, Joel Bryan (Connie) of Scott City. 

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Jon Bryan (Gail) of Livermore, CA.

A service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held in the Huntingburg United Methodist Church, Huntingburg, Indiana on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 11 am EST, with friends and family gathering at 10 am. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Maple Grove Campground and Foundation at historicmaplegrovehuntingburg.org or The Carmel United Methodist Food Pantry at CarmelUMC.org, in honor of his lifelong dedication to faith and service.