Richard Brunner

Richard Earl Brunner Banquete, Texas In the early morning hours of August 26, 2015, God dispatched an angel to free Richard Earl Brunner of his pain and suffering, to bring him home to be with Him. His kind, gentle, courageous, loving spirit left this world, at the age of 86, in Corpus Christi, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 29, 1929 in Flatonia to Felix Xavier and Annette (Nettie) Bertha Brunner. Richard attended Flatonia High School and graduated from Texas A&I College with a BS degree in Natural Gas Engineering. After graduation, he worked in Dallas for a few months before being commissioned into the United States Navy, where he became a lieutenant as an aircraft carrier fighter pilot on the USS Boxer in the Korean War. He flew 44 missions, received many medals and commendations and survived to tell the tale despite having his plane shot down over enemy airspace. He married his wife of 63 years, Barbara Laine Brunner, on August 23, 1952, in Robstown. After his time in the Navy, he worked as a professional engineer on natural gas pipelines all over Texas and Oklahoma. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his sons Richard T. Brunner and his wife, Benita, of Corpus Christi; James (Jim) Brunner and his wife, Geneva, of Orange Grove; John Brunner, of Banquete, and beloved girlfriend, Lucero Tellez, of Corpus Christi; daughter Robbe Brunner and her beloved boyfriend, Mark Henricks, of Austin; brother Dennis Brunner and his wife, Georgia, of Flatonia; nephew Brian Brunner and niece Amber Carruthers and families, both of Austin; granddaughter Shea Lynn Brunner, of Kingsville, and great-granddaughter Brianna Brunner of Callallen. He also leaves behind his beloved kitties, Tabitha and Midnight, his dog Winston and many, many beloved friends and relatives. Richard will be remembered for his positive, humorous outlook. His kindness towards others, both friends and total strangers. His reluctance to complain. His eagerness to help. His courageous, fighting spirit. His sense of adventure and his desire to go west. Visitation will be on Monday, August 31, 2015, from 5-8 pm at Sawyer-George Funeral Home, 12497 Leopard St., Corpus Christi. Chapel service will be conducted Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at 10am at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. A graveside service will be on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at 2 pm at Oak Hill Cemetery in Flatonia. The family also wishes to thank the dedicated staff and nurses at Christus Spohn Hospital for their professional, kind and compassionate care given to Richard. Thank you, Dr. Bonelli, for taking such good care of him. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made by donating in Richard's honor to South Texas Children's Home, the Humane Society or charity of your choice.