Stanley Eugene Bryant, 70

Stan Bryant, 70, of Cataldo, Idaho, passed away of natural causes April 9, 2025. He was born July 3, 1954, in Fort Ord, Calif., and was raised in Salinas and Santa Maria, Calif. Stan moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1991 with his wife, Caren, and their son, Wayne Bryant.

Starting in 1993, he dedicated 23 years to Central Premix in Spokane, Wash., as a cement mixer driver. Stan worked hard for his company until the day he retired in July 2016, creating long-lasting memories with all his co-workers.

Stan was an avid outdoorsman, restored many hot rods he was very proud of and enjoyed spending time with his family. He often sang, “She thinks my tractor’s sexy; it really turns her on,” referring to the love of his life, Caren Bryant, while driving his big orange tractor.

He met his future wife, Caren, in 1971 while cruising Broadway in his root beer brown ’59 Ranchero in Santa Maria, Calif. They were married August 5, 1972. Together, Stan and Caren had two beautiful children, Malinda Bryant and Wayne Bryant, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved and cherished. He was known lovingly as "Papa Stan."

Stan, a very loving brother, was the eldest of two surviving sisters, Barbra and Tonya, and three brothers — two surviving, Michael and William, and one preceding him in death, Ron.

With all the crazy things Stan did in his life, he was lucky to have passed away peacefully in his sleep — just as he would have wanted.

Stan was a great man. He was full of “piss and vinegar,” quick with a joke, and had a heart full of gold. Papa Stan loved his family — especially his wife, Caren. They worked hard together through thick and thin to create a beautiful, love-filled life for themselves and those they cared for. He will always be missed and remembered.

A celebration of life will be held later this year.  

Please visit Stan’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.