David Carvel Bryan

DAVID CARVEL BRYAN September 10, 1934 - April 15, 2025 David Carvel Bryan was born in Baltimore, MD, the son of Amanda Fusselbaugh and James Edgar Bryan. He grew up on his parents’ farm on the Wye River in Queenstown, MD. He was 90 years old. David attended The Country School in Easton, St Andrew's School in Middletown, DE 1947-1951 and the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University 1951-1955. He worked during his college years in Washington DC. He had ordinary jobs in extraordinary places...an elevator operator at the US Capital, a clerk at the US House of Representatives, office staff for Congressman O'Hara, a property manager for National Savings & Trust, a contract negotiator for the Dept of Defense, and a civil servant for the Alliance for Progress. After college David joined the U.S. Air Force. He served as a navigational instructor 1955-1958 and then remained in the Air Force Reserves as a navigator while attending night school at the George Washington University Law School 1958-1962. During these years he married Barbara Colthurst and had two daughters. When he retired from the Air Force as Captain, David moved his family from Alexandria VA to Centreville, MD. Lawyers Row in Centreville was home to his law practice for many years specializing in real estate, banking and zoning. He prided himself on being a "country lawyer" enjoying the work of estates and trusts with local families. He would often barter if cash was tight for his clients and frequently came home with oysters, firewood or manure for his garden. Through the years David also served as Director and lawyer for Centreville National Bank (now Shore United Bank), Special Prosecutor for Queen Anne's County, Trustee and Treasurer for the QAC Library, Director for the Rotary Club of Centreville, VP of the QAC Historical Society, Treasurer and Sr Warden for Old Wye Church, Chairman of the Town of Centreville Board of Zoning Appeals, and Attorney for the Town of Centreville. He was a member of the QAC Chapter of the American Red Cross, a member of the District Advisory Board for the Public Defender System, President of the QAC Bar Association and Commodore of the Corsica River Yacht Club. After moving to Easton, he joined the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club and the Tred Avon Yacht Club. On weekends, he was sailing his 18' Hampton in local regattas. It was 1988 when David moved his law practice to Easton, MD. In 2001 he joined Fountain, Bryan & Ritter (formally Henry & Price) (later Ewing, Dietz, Fountain & Kehoe) and Eastern Shore Title Company. David was active in the Diocese of Easton/ Episcopal Church serving on the Committee on Constitution & Canons and as chancellor for many years. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for being honest, hardworking, respectful and compassionate. His advice to all who listened: Live simply, serve generously, care deeply and speak kindly. David is survived by his wife of 68 years and daughters, Meredith Damschroder (Kent) of Stevensville, MD and Amanda Tatem (Thaddeus) of Isle of Palms, SC. He has five grandchildren: Andy, Bailey, Patrick, Sarah & Cate and two great-granddaughters. He is preceded in death by his brother, James Bryan, and sister, Margaret Bryan Bruehl. A funeral service will be held for family and friends on Friday, May 9 beginning at 4 pm, Old Wye Church in Wye Mills, MD. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in his name to Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely, Talbot Hospice in Easton, Compass Hospice in Centreville or Old Wye Parish in Wye Mills.