Dee Louise Bryon

Dee Louise Bryon, 65, of Tiffin, died on April 15, 2026 at Autumnwood Care Center.

Dee was born on February 15, 1961, in Fremont, Ohio to Paul Lewis and Betty Jane (Heilman) Bryon and grew up in Old Fort. From a young age, she loved sports, volleyball, basketball, track & field, cheerleading, and swimming. She took her talents to various Seneca Arrows teams and the Special Olympics.

Playing music was also a favorite of Dee’s. She learned to play the organ at a young age and would often play for her childhood church. Her organ was even hauled to Columbus so she could participate in a talent show at the Special Olympics. Later, she regularly played the National Anthem on her keyboard at Seneca Arrows home games and, on a few occasions, at the Opportunity Center Celebrity Basketball Game at Heidelberg. She also enjoyed playing at services at the Tiffin Church of the Nazarene. 

Along with sports, she valued the events offered through the Seneca County Opportunity Center, where she gained numerous lifelong friends. Dressings up and dancing were among her favorites. She also was provided with many work opportunities through the center. She treasured time spent crafting at REM. She especially cherished day trips whether to the zoo, a ball game, or the Amish country with friends and staff from Renaissance House. At home, she enjoyed cooking and coloring.

Dee cherished holiday celebrations, especially Christmas. She started her shopping in August and truly felt joy in buying gifts for her family and friends. Her family looked forward to Thanksgiving dinner, where Dee would give each family member a slip of paper listing the exact Christmas gift she wanted. Dee was a gentle soul who was loved by all who met her. She brought so much joy to others, and her laugh, smile, and hugs will be deeply missed.

Dee is survived by her mother, Betty Bryon; sister, Paulette Day; brother, Donald (Vickie) Bryon, nieces, Stephanie (Daniel) Dawson, Jamie (Jonathan) Williams, Ashley (Todd) Miller; nephews, Jordan (Heidi Fox) Bryon and Donald Bryon; and nine great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Bryon; brother, Thomas Bryon; brother-in-law, David Day; cousin and friend, Annette Swartz; and niece, Danielle Bryon.

The family would like to extend a warm thank you to everyone who helped make Dee’s life beautiful: friends and staff at Seneca County Opportunity Center, REM Ohio, and Renaissance House.

Graveside services will be held at Pleasant Union Cemetery on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:00AM with a luncheon following. The Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics Ohio Seneca.

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