Donald “Don” Lee Bruner, age 81, of Springfield, Missouri went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, June 19, 2023, with his loved ones by his side after a long illness. Don was born November 8, 1941, in Brown Branch, Missouri, the fifth of eleven children to Montie and Helen (McDade) Bruner.

He proudly enlisted to serve in the United States Air Force on December 6, 1963.  During his time, he was awarded many commendations for his faithful service to our nation and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in December of 1969.

On a cold, snowy Valentine’s Day in 1973 he married the love of his life and best friend, Judy Howe.  From this union, three sons, Jeffrey, Joshua, and Caleb were born.  There was no greater joy in this world than being a husband and father to his devoted family. Together, they would travel around the United States often visiting national parks to make cherished memories.  Don loved to go camping and taught his sons how to survive off the land.    As he got older and wiser, he became a jack of all trades and enjoyed tinkering on cars and other projects. Don also could not pass up a good garage sale looking for deals on his many collections.

Don’s faith to the Lord was colossal.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry at Baptist Bible College and went on to witness to countless people of his faith in Jesus Christ. He spent some time as a pastor for Tabernacle Baptist Church in Tioga, Pennsylvania.  Don also shared his love for the Lord with his local church family at Berean Baptist Church, Springfield, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: John Bruner, Jean Morrison, Chauncey White, Willie Bruner, and Genevieve Bruner.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy Bruner; his three sons, Jeffrey Bruner, Joshua Bruner (Terri), and Caleb Bruner; eight grandchildren, Wyatt Bruner, Alexis Reaves, Emily Bruner, John Bruner, Anna Bruner, Sarah Bruner, Steven Bruner, and Olivia Bruner; four great-grandchildren, Arthur, T.J., Asher, and Ezra; five siblings, Hazel Morschel, Clinton Bruner (Mary), Carl Bruner, Bob Bruner (Debbie) and Clyde Bruner (Diane).

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Springfield, Missouri.  Officiating the service will be Pastor Don Kelderhouse.  Full military honors will be presented.  Pallbearers will be Lance Bruton, Caleb Bruner, Clyde Bruner, David Bruner, Bob Bruner, and Rick Burough.

Condolences and special memories may be left on this website.