Johnny Raymond Bruner

He was born in Houston, Texas on December 12, 1929 to John W. Bruner and Lennie D. Matteson Bruner Weathers. Preceding him in death were his parents, and his first wife, Vera Parker Bruner. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean Bruner of Austin; daughter Beverly Bruner Lowak and husband Larry of New Braunfels; stepchildren Cheryl Settle and husband Bill of Richmond, Texas, Wayne Brady and wife Delaine of Austin, Sharon Karnes and husband Bruce of Austin, and Carol Bullock of Austin.; grandsons Clint Foreman and wife Amanda of Boston, and Brandon Foreman of Denver, as well as numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Johnny retired as Assistant Fire Chief of the Houston Fire Department in 1992 after 42 years of service. His lifelong passion was music which began in his school days in Pasadena, TX when he played the cornet/trumpet and made the Texas All-State Band. After that he played in the 531st Air Force Band for the Air National Guard of the United States, and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. One of the things he did was play Echo Taps at military funerals with a high school buddy who also played in that Air Force Band. During his working years, he played in the Shrine Band in Houston as well as some community bands. He moved to Austin after retirement and played the euphonium in the Austin Symphonic Band until health reasons made him stop in 2007. He was a board member two of the years he was in ASB, and he also performed with the ASB at music conventions in Chicago, New Orleans and Seattle. After he couldn't play in band anymore, he continued listening to music nearly every day for the rest of his life. He was also a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason for over 50 years. Johnny always excelled in everything he ever did. When he would take tests for promotions in the Houston Fire Dept., he always made the highest scores, in fact perfect scores most of the time. He also went extremely high as a mason, and was an amazing bodybuilder. At his peak, his flexed bicep measured 22 inches!

The family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Sunday, July 10, 2016 at Cook Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 A.M., Monday, July 11, 2016 in the Chapel of Cook Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Interment will be at Phillips Cemetery in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Light refreshments and fellowship after the Interment will be at Bannockburn Baptist Church, 7100 Brodie Lane, Austin, Texas, 78745.