Doyle Frank Brunson

Doyle was born August 10, 1933 in Longworth, Texas to John Frank and Melia (Hanna) Brunson. He grew up in Longworth, in north central Texas, the youngest of three children. His father was a farmer and cotton gin manager, his mother a homemaker. Doyle helped lead Sweetwater Newman High School to the state basketball tournament in Austin. The night before the semifinal game (which his team lost) schoolmates introduced him to poker, which he had only seen in the movies. He also excelled in baseball and track. After missing the deadline to accept a full scholarship to the University of Texas, he attended the Baptist-affiliated Hardin Simmons University in Abilene. He almost lead them to the N.C.A.A. basketball tournament. He earned a master’s degree in education.

He is survived by his wife, Louise Carter Brunson, a Fort Worth pharmacist in 1962. Also surviving, a son, Todd Brunson, a daughter, Pamela Brunson, a stepdaughter, Cheryl Carter, a grandson, a step grandson, four step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandson.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsouthjones.com for the Brunson family.