Jeffrey Lon Brant, age 79, of Sciotoville, passed away peacefully at the Southern Ohio Medical Center on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Born on July 12, 1946, in Portsmouth, he was the beloved son of the late Lon Clayton and Virginia Lee Snyder Brant.

Jeff dedicated much of his life to serving others through his work as co-owner of Brant Funeral Service in Sciotoville, where he was a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 50 years. A proud 1964 graduate of East High School, where he was drum major in his senior year, Jeff furthered his education at Rio Grande College. He began his career as a history and government teacher at Clay High School. Later, he served his country as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, assigned to the Strategic Air Command. Taking advantage of his G.I. benefits, Jeff earned his degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, continuing his lifelong commitment to supporting families through difficult times.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Barbara Purdy Brant; his daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Darrell Murphy of Portsmouth; his grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Kole and Abby Murphy of Portsmouth; as well as several cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville with Dan Widdig officiating. Interment will take place at Memorial Burial Park with military honors by the James Dickey Post of the American Legion. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, June 2, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The family requests memorial donations be made to East High School in honor of Jeff’s enduring connection to his alma mater. His legacy of service, dedication, and kindness will be cherished by all who knew him.