John “Doc” Melvin Bryan 90, of Farmington passed away Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Willard Walker Hospice Home. He was born October 29, 1923 in Eads, TN to William Bryan and Pearl Houston Bryan. During WWII he served in the Army from 1943-1944 and then the Navy from 1944-1946. He finished his military career as a medic for the United States Marines in the South Pacific. He then returned home and received his doctorate of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M. He took his first job in North Dakota where he met his wife Agnes. They moved to Batesville to raise their family. He was a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus and a charter member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Margaret Boykin; wife, Agnes Bryan; grandson, Bryan Boykin and twelve brothers and sisters. Survivors include his children, Michael Bryan and wife Marilyn of Grafton, ND, Billy Bryan and wife Pam of Bismarck, ND, Mary Kay Jones and husband Arch of Batesville, AR, Steve Bryan and wife Trish of Benton, AR, Betty Morgan and husband Bobby of Farmington, AR, Patricia Purdy and husband Steve of Farmington, AR and Laura Carpenter and husband Jim of North Little Rock; fifteen grandchildren , eighteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. A memorial service with military honors will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, January 17, 2014 at the Fayetteville National Cemetery with Father Les Farley officiating. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Beard’s Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E. Longview St., Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.
John Melvin Bryan October 29, 1923 ~January 11, 2014

Grandpa (Doc) was like family to our family and was very special to us. He will be missed. Prayers for the whole family at this difficult time of sorrow. He is smiling in Heaven with grandma now.
Love to all
Randy, Katrina, Miranda and Kolby
We are very sorry to hear of your loss and the entire Bryan Family is in our thoughts
I will remember the family in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences go to the Bryan family. I know Doc will be missed. My thoughts are with all of you.
John Hargan
Doc and Agnes are thought of often….we missed them when they left Batesville. To the family, we are sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you during your time of loss. Praying for you and your family in the days to come.
Just want you to know that you are in our prayers!! Mike
I enjoyed your dad so much. I will miss his warm greeting!