Donald Edward Bryson
Don Edward Bryson passed away on May 31, 2023.
Don was born in San Antonio, Texas on February 10, 1943. He had a lifelong career in education and excelled as a college basketball player. He started his basketball career at Abilene Christian in 1965 but was recruited by Jack Martin in the early 60’s to come and play for Lamar University where he became one of the best-performing players in school history, becoming Lamar’s first-ever All-American selection in 1965. Lamar honored Don’s accomplishments by retiring his Number 13 jersey in 2009. Bryson mentioned during his acceptance that he would like to be remembered as a team player and I would like to think that I was a “do-what-it-takes-in-order-to-win” type of player.
He continued to “do what it takes” by becoming a lifelong educator teaching Biology and coaching at many Southeast Texas schools including Nederland, Lamar, and head basketball coach for Port Neches Groves ISD. After his retirement from coaching Don went on to become the inaugural basketball coach of the Port Arthur Seahawks and helped to develop that program.
Don loved sports and received recognition for many of those basketball accomplishments such as being inducted into the Cardinal Hall of Honor. He enjoyed golfing with his buddies and spending time at the beach. but he would consider his best accomplishments his family.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Bryson of Port Neches; children, Todd Bryson, of Beaumont, and Krin Mackenroth and husband, Mike, of Nederland; and grandchildren. He continued to enjoy sports, watching his two grandchildren Ty Bryson and Cass Bryson, both of Beaumont.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Bryson; and brother, Johnny Bryson.
A gathering of Mr. Bryson’s family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., with his funeral service at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 5, 2023, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12 th Street, Nederland. His Interment will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Nederland
- 505, North 12th Street, Nederland, Texas, 77627,
- June 5, 2023
- 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Nederland
- 505, North 12th Street, Nederland, Texas, 77627,
- June 5, 2023
- 10:30 am
Interment
Oak Bluff Memorial Park
- 618, Block Street, Port Neches, Texas, 77651,
- June 5, 2023
Thoughts and prayers go to the family,
Such a true gentleman. Kind, fair and lived life to the fullest. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Hoping they find comfort in the numerous lives he touched and changed for the better. What a legacy he leaves behind.
I didn’t know Don personally, but as a kid, I used to attend a fair number of Lamar’s home games at McDonald Gym. The ones I didn’t go to I listened to on the radio. Don was one of my childhood heroes and I kept up with his coaching assignments through the years. He was very well thought of and was a great credit to his profession.
May God Bless You and Keep You Coach. Your positive influence on hundreds of us over the years has certainly made a difference in so many lives! I hope that we can Honor your legacy by believing in one another; the way that you believed in some of us. Prayers for Peace and Comfort.
In 1969-1970 season, Coach Bryson became the head basketball coach for Nederland High School. He brought a winning attitude based on hard work and teamwork. I am forever grateful for his encouragement and guidance making our team successful. I am honored to be his first player receiving a scholarship to play college basketball. Peace and prayers for Coach Bryson and his family.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Bryson. I had the privilege to meet Mr. Bryson during my first year of teaching. I was very honored for him to be my field supervisor. When he would come to observe me, he was so pleasant and super nice. I enjoyed our talks after the observation. He was such a kind man, I often thought of him over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with the Bryson family.
Krin, so sorry for your loss. Take care. Love, Jody Dunn
Coach Bryson’s positive influence on so many lives in the PN-G and Lamar communities will still be felt for decades to come. I’m so glad our ‘81-‘82 basketball team got to catch up with him last year. Peace to Donna, Todd, Krin, and families.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Donna, Todd, Krin and all of the Bryson family, friends and loved ones.
Don was a great friend, to me, over many years. Met don through our golf game. We started out at about the same golf handicap, but after Don retired and playing more, he passed me by and became a single digit handicap golfer. Just as he did during his basketball career, once he applies himself, there is no stopping him. He was a great guy to be around, I will miss him.
May GOD welcome Don into HIS loving care, and grant him salvation and an eternal life, as a member of the family of GOD, in Heaven. Rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences to all of Don’s family, especially Donna and Krin. Don’s memory will always be alive in many of our hearts and minds. I was blessed by having known and worked with him. Sending love and hugs.
My deepest condolences to Todd, Ty, and the entire Bryson family. Coach was one of my favorite people at PN-G and his presence will be missed. He was a great man on the basketball court and an even greater man off of it. God bless all of you during this difficult time —
Coach Bryson is an unforgettable person. He pushed and molded us to be our best and play basketball with great effort and tenacity. I am so proud to have known him and call him my coach.
May the Lord receive you with open arms. May His angles be with your family and friends, giving them comfort and peace at this time. You were a great Coach and friend while I was in High School, PN-G Class of 1980.
My condolences to Krin and the rest of the family. I’m so sorry for your loss. May Coach Bryson RIP.
Coach Bryson was a great coach/teacher and just such a good man. He will be greatly missed by all. Prayers for Donna, Todd and Krin and his whole family. ❤️????????
RIP Coach Bryson! He was a first class person. Prayers to his family at this time.
Wonderful man that will be missed,
Condolences to Mrs. Bryson, Todd, Krin, and family. Coach Bryson, thank you for investing your time and incredible talents in the students of PN-G. It was a privilege to be in your basketball program and to compete for you. PN-G was a special school district because of teachers and coaches like you. You exemplified the core values of PN-G’s HONOR, PRIDE, and TRADITION. One more thing. I will never forget going on a date with Krin in the 10th grade and you telling me that if I did not have her home on time, I would be running the stadium bleachers until I dropped dead. Yes, Krin was home on time. Good times…great memory. RIP.
A very good friend who will be missed by many. My best for Donna and his children
Coach was one of the good guys! He was a gentle giant who would discipline you but then give you a hug after and made you feel special and want to do better. I spent many of my younger days in his office and wouldn’t change that for nothing. I learned a lot from him and he played a big role in my growing up. I remember after graduating and having a family of my own and several very successful business I returned back home for a PNG game. I seen him and we talked and he would keep track of me on social media but he would always tell me how proud he was of my accomplishments. Beside your parents it’s always great to have someone like him cheering you on. Coach you will be missed and I’m glad we got to know each other. The impact you made on several of us kids was greater than you know. Until we meet again rest easy big guy!
So sad to hear of the loss of a great man. Having him as a coach in high school was an honor. He knew how to get the best out of me. My thoughts and prayers are with Donna, Todd and Krin, as well as the rest of the family. May God provide you strength and peace through your time of mourning.
We extend our condolences to the Bryson family as we remember the influence Coach Bryson had on our son, Michael and the help in getting him a 5 year scholarship. I can only imagine how many lives on which he had that same influence. May God give you all the comfort only He can give.