Carmi Times Posted Jul 02, 2012 @ 04:39 PM Edwin Lee Bryant passed away on June 30, 2012 at his residence in Fairfield Bay, Ark. He was born in Norris City on December 20, 1924. He was the only child of Lee and Velma Bryant, now deceased. Edwin graduated from Norris City High School in 1942 and received an academic scholarship to Southern Illinois University. Upon enrolling, he joined the U.S. Navy V-12 program. His first assignment was at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind., where he met his future bride, Joan Estelle Daggy. From there, Edwin went to the Navy Midshipman School at the University of Notre Dame. On the day he received his officer's commission, he and Joan were married. Edwin served with the Navy Amphibious Forces in the Pacific and the Philippines. After the peace was signed, he joined with occupation forces in Japan and China. When he was released from active duty he returned to SIU and earned a B.S. in Business Administration. At the outset of the Korean War, he requested an active duty assignment and was placed on the USS Pickaway as gunnery officer. He served in that duty until the end of the conflict. Edwin was employed by Marathon Oil Company for 28 years. He worked in management positions at the home office in Findlay, Ohio and various regional offices including Houston, Shreveport, La., Los Angeles, Casper, Wy. and Anchorage, Ak. He retired July 1, 1983 and moved to Fairfield Bay, Ark. Preceding him in death were his beloved wife, Joan, and sons, Steven Lee and Peter Lyn. Surviving is a daughter, JaneAnn Swenson and a grandson, Kaleb J. Swenson, both of Fairfield Bay; granddaughters Tammie Pillard of Gowen, Mich. and Molly McCoy of Woodstock; seven great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. At his request, his remains were cremated with no special service.