Bruce Warren Blann

Bruce Warren Blann, a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and master craftsman, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Born on May 31, 1954, in Austin, Texas, Bruce lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and a love for the outdoors.

After attending Crockett High School, Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1973, serving his country with pride as a Marine during the Vietnam War and trained in aircraft operations. Following his military service, he became a highly skilled master carpenter and craftsman. Most recently, he worked for Milestone Community Builder Homes and started his own business, Blann-Morris Construction LLC, with his close friend and business partner, Terry Morris. His work was not just a profession but a passion, as he took great pride in the design and building process and especially in training apprentices and helping others grow in the craft.

Bruce was an outdoorsman at heart, finding joy in camping, hiking, fishing, mountain climbing, and simply being in nature. He also had a profound love for gardening, cooking, and woodworking. He built log cabins and recently developed a new design for greenhouses. He loved playing golf and had an incredible golf swing. Not only that but he also was an avid football fan and cherished rooting on Texas A&M (Gig’Em Aggies!). His greatest achievements, however, were found in the family he built and the lives he touched. He loved being a “girl dad” and helping his stepdaughters learn and grow. He was known as "Papaw" to his grandchildren and delighted in being a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was also a beloved uncle to 11 nieces and nephews, 16 great nieces and nephews, and 10 great-great nieces and nephews.

Bruce’s legacy extends beyond his craftsmanship and family. He was a phenomenal teacher, a creative problem solver, an innovative cook, and a generous mentor. He found immense pride in sharing his knowledge and helping others in their journey through life. His kindness and selflessness were evident in all he did, always putting others before himself and finding joy in bringing happiness to those around him.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Ellis-Blann; his children, Khrystina Sparks and Byron, Lindsay Lee and Marty, and Hannah Allen and Chandler; his sisters, Laura Jean Hutchins and Sam, and Phyllis Crawford, and Alan; his stepfather, Cecil Anderson, stepmother, Hilda Blann, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, apprentices, neighbors, and many cherished loved ones. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Jean Anderson, and his father, Clint Warren Blann.

Bruce cherished every moment spent with family and friends, treasuring the memories made with those he loved. To honor his legacy, the family asks that instead of flowers, guests bring a potted plant to the service, or plant a seed and care for it, just as Bruce did in the lives of so many. Semper Fi, Bruce. Your love, wisdom, and unwavering kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew you.

A visitation for Bruce will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749, followed by a memorial service starting at 2:00 PM.