Jess Neil Mayrant

Jess Neil Mayrant, 79, of Ephrata, Washington, died on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010 at McKay Healthcare in Soap Lake. At the time, he was surrounded by family, and visited by a small bird at his window, who carried the big man’s soul to heaven.

Neil was born on Dec. 20, 1930 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to Jess and Lura (Sutton) Mayrant. After high school, Neil enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1950 and served four years, working as an equipment operator. His tour included overseas deployment in North Africa. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. After leaving the military, Neil began a career in law enforcement, first joining the Washington State Patrol as a trooper assigned to the Ellensburg detachment. He later worked briefly for the Moses Lake Police Department, then joined the Grant County Sheriff's Office, rising to undersheriff, before retiring in 1980.

Neil also drove fuel truck for a local distributor and school bus for the Ephrata School District for several years.

He loved rodeo, backcountry horseback rides and camping trips in the Cascade Mountains, trapshooting, and old panhead Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles. Neil was a member of the Ephrata Masonic Lodge, the American Legion Post 28, Columbia Basin Elks Lodge 1930, the Law  Enforcement Officers and Firefighters 1 Coalition, and the Grant County Historical Society.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Rita Mayrant of Ephrata; a son, James Neil Mayrant of Soap Lake; stepsons Gary (and Dominique) Bracht of Ephrata and grandchildren Danielle and Clayton, Randy (and Joanne) Bracht of Ephrata and grandchildren Aaron and Kellie; Bob (and Dana) Bracht of Seattle and grandchildren Jens and Erik; stepdaughter Gayle (and Tim) Hughes of Snohomish and grandchildren Austin and Max; and several nieces.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marcelline Jeffries.

At Neil’s request, no services are currently planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ephrata Masonic Lodge or a charity of choice. Please sign the guestbook or leave a message for the family at www.scharbachs.com. Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel of Quincy is in charge of arrangements.