Bryant DeFrance, cherished community leader and respected entrepreneur, passed away peacefully at his residence in Paducah, Kentucky, on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the age of 82.
Born on June 7, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, Bryant lived a life marked by service and commitment to his hometown. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, a retired owner of the Peoria, Illinois, Wilbert Vault Company, and a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Peoria, Illinois. His dedication to fellowship was evident in his involvement with the Knights of Columbus and as a devoted Rotarian. Bryant's passion for civic engagement was most notable in 1993 when he led the way in incorporating the township of West Peoria, Illinois, into a city and becoming its first Mayor.
Bryant is survived by his wife of 61 years or as he would refer to her as his girlfriend of 68 years, Mary Lynn Sutter DeFrance; two daughters, Stacey Thuline and her husband, Keith of Paducah, Kentucky and Teri DeFrance of Peoria, Illinois; two sons, Robert DeFrance and his wife, Rhonda of Hampton, Illinois, and Jeff DeFrance and his wife, Kelley of Germantown Hills, Illinois; grandchildren, Robert DeFrance (Becca), Shawn DeFrance (Mary), Josh Thuline (Christy), Rebekah Thuline, Aidan DeFrance, Jake DeFrance (Alexandria), Ryan DeFrance, Luke DeFrance, Jarrid Griffith (Keri), Jace Griffith (Tonya) and Jeremy Howard (Leanne); nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Becky Glasscock of Indian Head Park, Illinois; a brother, Lowell DeFrance Jr. of Woodstock, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Bentley.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Diana Sandy; two brothers, Harvey DeFrance and David DeFrance. His parents were Lowell Glenn DeFrance and Mildred Lucille Schuster DeFrance.
Memorial Services will be held at a later date in Peoria, Illinois.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah, in Paducah, Kentucky, is in charge of local arrangements.
You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle of remembrance at www.milnerandorr.com.
