The City of Dearborn is facing the death of one of its sitting aldermen — the second time in the last few years that the small community in northern Platte County has suffered such a tragedy.
Bob Bryan, 77, died at his home Saturday, June 23 after a long battle with cancer. A graveside service was held June 28 at Leavenworth National Cemetery and a memorial June 29 at Dearborn Christian Church.
Elected to the board in 2011, Bryan was born in Tracy and graduated from Platte County High School. A Navy veteran, he was married with two adult daughters and several grandchildren and a great-grandchild. He moved to Dearborn after his retirement from the military in 1982.
In November 2014, 62-year-old alderman Steve Buckler died while in office. The board of aldermen and mayor opted then to not replace him and instead waited for the next municipal election.
Taking the same approach this time as he did the last, mayor Jamie Morey is in no rush to replace the long-time alderman.
“I see no rush in making any decisions,” Morey said. “We’ve lost two great aldermen in the last few years and have been able to work with the remaining three, so out of respect I’m not replacing him especially, before his services like a few have asked. I think we need grieving time for everyone.”
Bryan was re-elected to the office in 2017 and his seat will be up for election in the April 2019 general municipal election.