William R. Brian

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William R. Brian, age 68 of Sumner, passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. He was born July 28, 1951 in the Jackson Hospital in Olney to Jack and Mabel (Saye) Brian. He was the second born of the Brian triplets.

W.R. married Margaret Dorney in April of 1974, and she survives.

Bill graduated from Sumner High School. He and Margaret are long-time members of the United Methodist Church of Sumner. Bill has always been a very active resident of Sumner and Lawrence County. He was a Sumner Youth Baseball Coach, member of the Sumner Masonic Lodge, Red Hill School Board Member, and Lawrence County Board Member as well.

Bill enjoyed to travel. The triplets, along with their wives, were fortunate to have traveled to 13 National Parks in the last 6 years. Bill enjoyed refereeing basketball games. He truly enjoyed the opportunities he had to referee with his brothers, Ed and Jesse. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan as well. Bill liked his John Deere tractor and could be found on it doing any job that he could find to do.

Professionally, Bill worked for the Lawrence County Highway Department, Centralia Cartage, and Marathon Oilfield. He eventually worked for and retired from the Marathon Refinery in 2009.

Bill was a faithful man…knowing WHO he was and WHOSE he was.

Surviving family includes: his wife of 45 years- Margaret Brian: two sons- Jarrod Brian and his wife Brandi of Byron, MN and Jason Brian and his wife Courtney of Bloomington: three brothers- Dave Brian and wife Betty of Sumner, Ed Brian and wife Deanna of Lawrenceville, and Jesse Brian and his wife Joan of Sumner: his seven grandchildren whom he loved with all of his heart- Will, Hudson, and Madeline Brian and Tenley, Hadley, Presley, and Bowen Brian: and several loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his parents- Jack and Mabel Brian: and two sisters- Linda Phillips and Sandra Cooper.

As per his wishes, there will be no formal services. However, there is one request. In lieu of flowers or contributions, please send a memory, thought, or quote in his honor to the family directly or through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.