Bryant D. Badger

Reverend Dr. Bryant D. Badger, aged 85, passed away peacefully Nov. 9, 2023 in Ft. Collins, CO. Bryant was born October 7, 1938 to Thomas & Ruth (Green) Badger in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The family moved several times within Iowa for Tom's work with Skelly Oil & Mid-Continent D-X Oil Co. He attended elementary schools in Dennison, Logan, and Cedar Rapids, where he graduated from McKinley High School in 1956. Bryant had a love of education and attended College of the Bible at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma from 1956-1960, where he earned his B.S. in Religion Education in 1961. Bryant also graduated Seminary from Phillips University with a B.D./M. Divinity in 1965. Reverend Dr. Badger was ordained at First Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on June 6, 1965. He later attended Graduate Seminary at Phillips Theological Seminary, receiving a Doctor of Ministry in 1978.

Reverend Dr. Badger was married to Kathryn (Kathy) Chlumsky on June 1, 1962 at First Christian Church in Augusta, Kansas, by Rev. Corvil Lile, Kathy’s long time best friends’ father, and Dr. Bill Nichols (later interim-General Minister & President of Disciples of Christ). Kathy worked in elementary education in Garber, Perkins, Stroud, and Oklahoma City, OK, and Casper, WY.

Reverend Dr. Badger served 43 years in active ministry. He began his ministry as the youth director for Central Christian Church in Wichita, Kansas from 1960-1963 while in undergraduate school. He served First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ (DOC) in Perkins, OK from 10/1964 - 5/1969. Then he served First Christian (DOC), Stroud, OK from 6/1969 - 6/1974, Memorial Christian Church (DOC), Oklahoma City, OK from 6/1974 - 12/1983 (during which time he received his D.Min.). Reverend Dr. Badger then received the call to serve First Christian Church (DOC) in Casper, WY from 1/1983 - 3/2008. In retirement, he taught "Intro to Ethics" at Casper College during the fall 2008 semester.

Reverend Dr. Badger was a part of many organizations in Oklahoma and the Central Rocky Mountain regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and especially enjoyed the Commission on the Order of the Ministry and regional/district boards. A member of Casper Clergy; WY Ministries in Higher Education, Bryant served as secretary and treasurer. He also served in the Association of Churches as a board member for the Central WY Counseling Center for 20 years, was a member of Lions Club for 30+ years, served with the Natrona County Sheriff's chaplaincy for 12 years and WY Medical Center's hospital chaplaincy 15+ years.

Reverend Dr. Badger was a talented artist and excelled in landscape paintings, using both acrylic and watercolor paints. He was an avid fisherman, woodworker, and enjoyed working in his yard; landscaping, gardening and loved flowers. Bryant had a heart for service and was always doing repairs at home and at his church home. Most notably, Bryant was passionate about reading. He loved sharing his work and even wrote three books: History of First Christian Church (Casper, WY) (1996), History of the Christian Church in Wyoming (1996), and History of the Christian Church in Colorado (1873-1997) in 1997.

Reverend Dr. Badger was fortunate to go on two pilgrimages to Israel/Palestine (14 days each) in 1995 as a gift from the Knights Templars Casper, and again in 2008 as a retirement gift from FCC, which were both outstanding experiences! He also attended multiple National Conventions for the Disciples of Christ denomination and enjoyed family voyages to Alaska, Caribbean & World Convention in Hawaii 1980.

Reverend Dr. Badger is survived by his two married daughters: Jenny Black and her husband Brian, and their two children Briana & Joshua (Casper, WY); Julie Bunton and her husband, Rev. Greg Bunton and their two children Mikayla and Brody (Estes Park, CO). Bryant so treasured his family time and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Kathy of 50 years, brothers Tom, Chuck and Jerry Badger, and many long-time friends within churches and communities served.

Memorials can be given to First Christian Church (DOC), 520 CY Ave, Casper, WY 82601 or Phillips Theological Seminary, 901 N. Mingo Rd., Tulsa, OK 74116.

After cremation he will join with Kathy at Highland Cemetery, Casper, WY.