Neal Bryant

Neal Alfred Bryant
of Des Moines, Iowa

Neal Alfred Bryant, 76, passed away on September 5, 2025. He was born the son of Earl and Frances Bryant on October 20, 1948. Neal lived a life rich with purpose, dedication, and joy. His journey began with a paper route—his very first job—that sparked a lifelong work ethic. He went on to become a skilled journeyman in construction, known for his craftsmanship and pride in a job well done, building many parking garages in downtown Des Moines and helping build several additions to Lutheran Hospital with Neumann’s Construction. Later, he found fulfillment working for the New Horizons Non-Profit Organization for 18 years and then the Des Moines School District for 7 years in Community Housing. All together he worked 25 years with children and helping the disabled and families in need. A proud member of the Central Iowa Anglers, Neal cherished time spent outdoors, especially when fishing with his son(s) and granddaughter(s)—often finding peace and connection in nature. He was also a devoted Little League coach in Highland Park for 15 years, impacting the lives of countless young athletes with his patience, encouragement, and sense of humor.

Neal had a love for adventure, often taking car rides with Linda. He enjoyed quiet evenings reading, playing card games with his daughter-in-law, and tending to his pets—whom he loved like his own children. One of Neal’s greatest joys was supporting his children and grandchildren, always in the stands or the audience, cheering them on at every school and sporting event with unwavering pride.

Those left to cherish Neal’s memory include his precious dog, Daisy; partner, Linda McGehee; sons; Paul Bryant, Tim (La Rae) Bryant, Jeff (Tina) Rhodes, and Scott (Kandy) Rhodes; grandchildren, Shelby (Joe) Whitehead, Bret (Grace) Rhodes, Cody (Kim) Rhodes, Dakota (Colton) Crees-Bryant, Jennifer Bryant, Makenna Rhodes, Carissa (Cole) Boley and Brendan (Kelsey) Boley; two great-granddaughters, Rilee and Kaia Rhodes; two great-grandsons, Braxton and Beckham Watson; sisters-in-law; Betty Bryant and Karen Bryant; along with many nieces and nephews.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Frances Bryant; wife, Cheryl Bryant; and his siblings, Tom (Marilyn) Bryant, Curtis Bryant, Delores (Vern) Bryant, and David Bryant.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, 524 NW 54th Avenue in Des Moines. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family, contributions will then be distributed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa for a family to adopt a pet in memory of Neal’s love of animals.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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