E.D. 'Dave' Bryan, 71

DOVER - E.D. "Dave" Bryan, M.D., of Dover, died peacefully Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at his home. He was 71.

He was born in Lewes, son of the late Everett D. and Gertrude D. Bryan.

He graduated from Dover High School and Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, and served in the U.S. Public Health Service in Philadelphia before returning to Dover to begin his 30 years in the general practice of medicine, retiring in 1996.

Dr. Bryan was a member of the Medical Society of Delaware, Kent County Medical Society, and a life member of the Delaware Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Bryan was known for his historical research, articles, displays and lectures on the early mercantile history of Delaware, including his peach slide show, "The Fuzzy Phenomenon," and his sweet sorghum pressing demonstrations at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village.

His hobby was collecting and researching antique Delaware pottery, bottles and cans. He donated the latter two collections to the Delaware state museums. A portion of these can be seen at the Museum of Small Town Life in Dover.

Upon retirement, he wrote a local history book, now out of print, called "Ho! For Collins' Beach!" documenting an 1800s resort northeast of Smyrna.

He was interested in the Confederate raider "Alabama," on which a relative served, and spoke on the subject for various organizations.

He performed musically on saxophone, guitar and novelty musical instruments in various settings, including many years in a nursing home ministry with his wife and granddaughter, Theresa.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a step-grandson, Justin Christmas.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rose; two daughters and their husbands, Mary L. and Donald Christmas and Laura R. and Robert Kaehler; a brother, Terry A. Bryan, D.M.D., and his wife Margaret; six grandchildren, Theresa Kaehler, Robert Kaehler, Michael Kaehler, Moriah Kaehler, Kamilia Kaehler and Alexander Kaehler; a step-granddaughter, Shannon Brenner and husband Michael; and two step-great-grandchildren, Jonathan Brenner and Timothy Brenner.

Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at St. John's Lutheran Church, 113 Lotus St., Dover.

Burial will be private.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of choice or to Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

Arrangements are by Pippin Funeral Home, Wyoming.

Letters of condolences may be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.