Buddy L. Bruner

BLOOMINGTON – Buddy L. Bruner, 83, a current resident of Bloomington, passed from this life at 9:20am, on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Gentry Park Memory Care in Bloomington. Buddy was the eldest of four sons born to Arthur Wayne and Jeanette (McCormick) Bruner. He was born on September 20, 1935 in Bloomington, Indiana. Buddy’s father was with JCPenney Co; therefore, the family lived in several cities during his younger years. He graduated from Princeton High School, Princeton, Indiana in 1953. He headed to Purdue University, where he graduated in three years with a degree in Chemistry. Buddy went directly from Purdue to Iowa State University in Ames, for his PhD in Chemistry. His doctorate was completed in 1963. After his first year at Purdue, Buddy married Thelma Jean Fair of Gibson County, Indiana. During the Purdue and Iowa State years, the Bruners had three daughters: Kathryn Wise (Michael), Kristi Stump (Chuck), and Lisa Latham (Keith). There are eight grandchildren. Dr. Bruner began his teaching career at University of Kentucky. He later worked for Institute for Mining and Minerals Research and then became an Information Technology consultant as he was invested in the beginning of IT before it was taught in universities. He consulted and designed information and communication projects on multiple assignments for educational institutions, governments, and commercial settings. Carnegie-Mellon, Yale, Woods Hole, New Orleans, and Alaska were some of the locations where Dr. Bruner worked. Much of his work originated in offices in Nashville, TN, where he lived for many years. During these years he attended a 50th High School reunion in Princeton, IN, where he re-met a former classmate, Sarah Kolb. The date was October 4, 2003. Buddy and Sarah were together in joy and happiness for 15 years. They were married in December 2011. Both could almost not believe the gift each brought to the other in this 68th year of their lives. They shared a love for travel, art, books, friends, family and great food! Buddy is survived by all his children and eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his three brothers: Barry (Diane), Tom (Judy), and Ron (Barbara). For years the brothers have gathered with their wives for a holiday at locations across the country. Twenty plus events. Buddy was very proud of this series of brother celebrations, proof of shared affection and experiences. Also surviving are special nieces and nephews and several loved cousins. The four families which make up Buddy’s family were ever important to him. The Bruner lineage is noted from the time Bruners began their move from Schifferstadt, Germany to Frederick, Maryland in the eighteenth century and in time spread their name across the country. Dr. Bruner and Sarah returned to Bloomington in May 2017. This town was the adopted home of Sarah and the birthplace of Buddy. It seemed right to be here again. It proved to be so. Home and full circle, closer to family and friends. He will be remembered for kindness and courtesy, sincerity, and a loving and warm sense of humor. In May there will be a celebration of Buddy’s life here in Bloomington. Announcement will be later. Friends and family are welcome. [Anyone wishing to remember Buddy with a gift, please consider the special and outstanding Heart-to-Heart Hospice, 4529 S 7th St, Terre Haute, IN 47802. Or, an Animal Shelter of your choosing.]