Royce Eugene Brune

Gene was born at home in Bonham, Texas on July 26, 1924 to Otto and Nanny Brune. He was bigger than life, weighing in at 10 pounds—that was a “big” baby. He grew up in Doddridge, Arkansas and attended Brite Star High School. He was a Navy WWII veteran. His job was a boatswain (deckhand) serving aboard a minesweeper ship. This was a very small ship, equivalent to a shrimp boat today.

He married his wife of 63 years, Hettie Jo Kidd on December 24, 1948 and lived in Texarkana, Texas, Bay City, Michigan and settled in Austin, Texas in May 1954. He and Hettie Jo have lived in the same house for 57 years. They had three girls: Nancy, Doris Ann and Jodie. He has four grandsons and one granddaughter and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Gene retired from the Austin Fire Department after serving for 27years. He was a truck driver and helped with the fire hoses and finished his career as a Fire Inspector at the Fire Marshall’s office.

He was a member of VFW Post 4443 and served as Post Commander and many other positions. He was Bingo Caller and we all loved to hear him call “B5” because that was a winning number. He also loved to dance and his three girls learned to dance standing on top of his feet. The Orange Blossom Special was a favorite for all.

He was also a 32nd degree Mason of Masonic Lodge, Olive Branch # 136 and Scottish Rite, receiving a 50 year pin.

There are numerous hunting stories to hear from all who knew Gene. He loved to hunt and the challenge of turkey hunting was his favorite. His love of hunting is evident throughout the house with deer horns and turkey beards on display. Family vacations were always planned around the deer lease—spending many holidays at the deer lease.

Gene’s family greatly appreciated the care provided by Trinity Care Group Home and their families.