Thomas William Bryan Jr.

Thomas William Bryan Jr., passed away on November 4, 2026, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 75. He leaves his family with a lifetime of memories, plenty of reasons to smile, and a few quirks that will always be uniquely his.

Tom was a little goofy, wonderfully quirky, and entirely himself. His humor was part of the everyday experience of knowing him, and it is those familiar, funny moments that his family will miss most. He loved his San Francisco 49ers and took his loyalty to the Niners seriously—even when football gave him every reason to shake his head.

Tom’s story began on January 5, 1951, in Provo, Utah, where he was born to Thomas William Bryan Sr. and Doris Emma Christensen Bryan. At 13, he earned his Eagle Scout award, beginning a connection to Scouting that would last for decades. He went on to serve as a junior assistant Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, and Scoutmaster, spending more than 25 years helping young people find their footing and reach their goals. Scouting brought together two things he enjoyed: time outdoors and the chance to help someone learn along the way.

On September 19, 1975, Tom married Cathleen Dee Hughes. They raised five children and were sealed in the St. George Utah Temple on September 17, 1988. Their years together became part of a family story that now stretches across children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Cathleen passed away on April 10, 2011.

Tom married Irene Cox Briggs on December 7, 2013, and they made their home in St. George, Utah, beginning another chapter of his life.

After 28 years as a journeyman painter and maintenance technician with NV Energy in Moapa, Nevada, Tom traded his work schedule for more time doing what he loved. Retirement suited his love of the outdoors, especially time at the cabin. He treasured being there, enjoying the surroundings and having time to simply settle in. Between the cabin, the outdoors, and the Niners, Tom had some pretty clear ideas about a good way to spend a day.

Tom is survived by his wife, Irene, of Washington, Utah; his children, Jennifer Sawyer of Mesquite, Nevada; Melanie Cathleen Guzman of Mesquite, Nevada; Emma Christina Bryan (Rob) of Tigard, Oregon; Thomas William Bryan III (Alicia) of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and Benjamin Oliver Bryan (Madison) of Yukon, Oklahoma. His family also includes 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, each carrying forward a piece of his story.

He is also survived by his sisters, Shirlee Bryan Ekins (Ronald) and Karen Bryan Carter, and his brother, Richard James Bryan. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cathleen, and his parents, Thomas and Doris.

There will never be another Tom quite like this one. His family will miss his goofy side, his familiar quirks, and having him there for the ordinary days that become the best memories. They will remember him at the cabin, out in the fresh air, and whenever the 49ers take the field—with love, with laughter, and probably a story or two.

A viewing will be held on November 10, 2026, from 9:30-10:45am at 121 Whipple Way, Mesquite, Nevada 89027, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Hillside Drive Cemetery–Mesquite City Cemetery, 301 Hillside Drive, Mesquite, Nevada 89027. Arrangements are under the direction of McMillan Mortuary.

Family and friends will gather to say goodbye, share memories, and celebrate a life that was unmistakably Tom’s.