Sep. 24, 1944 - Mar. 7, 2026
Date of Service: Mar. 17, 2026
HEYBURN – On Saturday, March 7, 2026, Michael Emery Bryan completed his final haul home, surrounded by those who loved him, taking with him a piece of our hearts. Although our journey is not complete, Michael is driving the streets of heaven, reunited with his dad, mom; his grandpa, Willis, Carma (Toad) Adams, and so many others who were lucky to be loved by him. He was a loving husband, father, papa, pops, and friend. A lifelong rancher, Michael loved being outdoors, riding horses, and driving his truck, Connie’s Pride. He loved people, enjoyed talking with anyone, young or old; he never met a stranger. His warmth, friendliness, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Michael was the first of four children born to Clayton Arthur Bryan and Mary Katherine (Sears) Bryan, at their home in Albion, Idaho. As the oldest child and big brother to Pat, Linda and Barbara, he tried to set the example for his younger siblings and grew up with a strong sense of family and responsibility. Michael always said when he and Pat terrorized the streets of Albion, once people realized who they belonged to, they understood. When his dad passed away, all Michael wanted to do was take the reigns his dad left to take care of his mother.
Education came in a variety of classrooms for Michael, much of it came while traveling cross country. He completed his traditional education in the eighth grade; from there, the world become his classroom. Michael honorably served in the U.S. National Guard from January 29, 1962, to September 24, 1965, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to his country and community and learning what it meant to be a respected member of the community. He learned how to ranch, how to buy and sell cattle and, in1982, he attended the Western College of Auctioneering in Montana learning how to be an auctioneer. Michael was never afraid of jumping in and learning what needed to be done to provide for those he loved. His final education came covering miles and miles in his truck. He loved his truck, and he loved driving. Many memories were made on the road, but he was always happy at home. Hard work was all Michael knew.
Michael’s greatest love was family and his wife, Connie. His life changed for the best in ways he could never imagine on May 28, 1962, when he married Connie Louise Wickel, at the Burley Courthouse. Their road was filled with ups and downs, plenty of curves and even some roadblocks. Together, they raised eight children: Carma Koyle, Michael Emery Bryan Jr. (Jody), Ty Bryan (Chris), Hollie Bryan Fisher (Jeff), James Bryan (Susan), Treg Bryan (Amber), Danielle Bryan Turney (Austin), and Leslie Bryan (Austin), grandchildren: Courtney, Shilo, Chelsie, Kendra, Shelby, Mikka, Kade, Clayton, Cody, Kaitlyn, Morgan, Garrett, Braeden, Brandt, Gage, Emery, Graden, T.C., Riggin, and Lyndon; and 12 great-grandchildren. Michael was the happiest surrounded by his kids and grandkids. He often told his grandsons, “If you needed a finger, I’d give you my hand, if you needed a hand, I’d give you my arm”. Michael cared for his family and did everything he could so his children and grandchildren were happy, and most of all, loved.
Michael Emery Bryan lived a life defined by love, hard work, and a relentless belief in the good of every person he loved; he never held a grudge and always wanted his children and grandchildren to know he was a man of his word. From his early days in Albion to his years as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, he touched the lives of everyone he met. He faced life with warmth, humor, and love; he showed that love through his time, his stories, his laughter, and his unwavering dedication to those he cared about most. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit lives on in the hearts of his family, the land he loved, and the countless friendships he nurtured along the way. His legacy is one of love, kindness, and a life well-lived.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Albion with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group.
Family and friends will be received at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, one hour prior to the funeral service.
