Donald E. Bryant, 75 of Mechanicsville, MD, died on August 2, 2011 at his residence. Born on November 16, 1935 in San Diego, CA, he was the son of the late George and Mary Mills Bryant.

Donald was a firefighter for Washington, DC from 1957 until 1980. After 13 years of moving with his Navy family, they settled in Boulevard Heights, MD in 1948. He joined the Boulevard Heights Volunteer Fire Dept at the age of 18, serving as a volunteer firefighter for 18 years. In 1957 at the age of 21, he joined the D.C.F.D. and for most of his career, he was stationed at Engine 15 in Anacostia, Washington, DC. He served in the Army for 5 years and then returned to the D.C.F.D. where he served until his retirement in 1980. Donald and his wife, Jeanette were active members of Peace Lutheran Church in Waldorf and were avid campers and enjoyed their life membership in the Good Sam Camping Club. They moved to Mechanicsville, MD in 1987 to enjoy their retirement years. Donald went back to work part time for Sharper's Florist in Oxon Hill for the next 27 years.

Survived by his wife, Jeanette F. Crossman Bryant of Mechanicsville, MD, whom he married in 1958, sons, Donald Edward, Jr., Allen David, and Dennis Wayne, daughter, Anne Frances, brother, George Kenneth Bryant of Fort Hunt, VA, 13 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

A Gathering will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 from 11-12noon at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD where a Memorial Service will follow at 12 noon. Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Peace Lutheran Church, 401 East Smallwood Drive, Waldorf, MD 20602.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A.