Dr. Terry Read

Dr. Terry “Bryson” Read, 71, passed away peacefully early in the morning of September 25, 2020, at Montgomery Place in Independence, Kansas.  Born in Odessa, Texas, the son of Edith Karon (Terry) and Bryson Earl Read, Bryson graduated from Odessa High School and North Texas State University before entering dental school at The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. Following graduation in 1978, he joined the private dental practice of Dr. Dale Devore, a partnership that lasted until Dr. Devore’s retirement in 1985.  Dr. Read continued as the sole practitioner of the private dental practice for 18 years, selling the practice in 2003.

In 1974, Bryson married Lela Elaine (Laney) Beidleman. Together they had two children, Timothy Bryson and Robert Henry. After a lengthy battle with cancer, Laney passed away in 2000.  In 2002, Bryson married Suzanne Day Woods.  In 2003, he sold the practice and relocated to Colorado Springs where he practiced dentistry until 2010 when he and Suzanne moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  His association with dentistry continued as he volunteered at the Green County Free Dental Clinic in Bartlesville.

In 2016, they returned to Independence where Bryson again became active in his beloved Rotary Club International.  He had previously served as president of the Independence chapter and had been an active member of the Downtown Rotary Club of Colorado Springs.

Bryson was an active member of the Independence community, serving on the Independence Recreation Commission Board, being a member of both the Independence Chamber of Commerce and the inaugural Leadership Independence Class.  He was a retired member of both the Kansas and Colorado Dental Associations, and the Colorado Springs Dental Society as well as being a Life Member of the American Dental Association.

Dr. Read enjoyed few things more than his family and friends, dog Maddie, practicing dentistry, music, travel, KU basketball, the Bus Ministry at the First United Methodist Church, and coaching, watching or playing any level of baseball and softball.

He was dedicated to taking the best possible care of each of his patients.  He was competitive in every aspect of his life but also quick with a smile. Dr. Read was best known for being a gentleman, and was kind, considerate and compassionate. He was quick to care, hesitant to anger, and never one to turn down an opportunity to make a joke or laugh (even though he would often repeat the same joke ad nauseam).

Dr. Read was preceded in death by his father, Bryson “Cuz” Earl Read, mother Edith ”Kay” Read, his first wife Lela “Laney” Elaine Read, and his sister Sally Kay Read’s partner Donna Sessions.

He leaves behind his wife Suzanne, of the home; his sister Sally Kay Read of Lake Kiowa, TX; sons Tim and his wife Jamie of Tulsa, OK; Rob and his wife Jenny of Dallas, TX; Mark Woods and his wife Kathy of Independence, KS;  and daughter Kara Woods Henschel and her husband David of Manhattan Beach, CA.  Grandchildren are Gavin Bryson Read and Addyson Angel-Read, Cooper Lane Read, Dutch Inclan, Tommy and Kyle Woods, and Ben and Aaron Henschel.

We are grateful for the support and care Bryson received from Eagle Estates, Montgomery Place and Henry Hynes Hospice.

Graveside services under the direction of Webb & Rodrick Chapel & Crematory are Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. at Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence, KS.

In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation in the name of Dr. Bryson Read can be made to:

First United Methodist Church of Independence, Kansas

200 South Pennsylvania Ave.

Independence, KS  67301

Independence Recreation Commission

1501 North Tenth St.

Independence, KS  67301