J. Bruce Corbitt

Bruce was born October 1, 1939, to Benjamin Franklin Corbitt and Jessie Clyde (Longino) in Miami, FL. His father founded Ben Corbitt Scales, which later became Corbitt Industries. Bruce married Marcie on October 28, 1961, and they lived in Hollywood, FL. They moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont in 1971, where they raised their family and Bruce worked for Fairbanks Scales. Bruce and Marcie were transferred by Fairbanks to Kansas City in 1992. Bruce remained with Fairbanks Scales until his retirement in 2004.

Bruce was predeceased by his mother Jessie, his father Ben, his brother Frank, his wife Marcie and his son Roy Corbitt. Bruce is survived by his son JB (Dorothy), his daughter Denise Schwardt (Kile), his daughter-in-law Ellen Corbitt and his granddaughter Katherine, and nieces and nephews.

Bruce was a beloved husband and father. He was a master craftsman, creating much of the furniture in their home. He would often bring home creative bartered items, sometimes to Marcie’s chagrin. In addition to his woodworking skills, Bruce was an outstanding mechanic who enjoyed fixing the neighborhood snowmobiles and ski lifts in St. Johnsbury.

Bruce was an avid storyteller, well known for his jokes at the North Kansas City Breakfast Club, where he was a member for more than 25 years.

Bruce was a barbeque champion, winning several events across the Midwest, American Royal, and his crowning achievement with their victory at Memphis in May for Best Sauce on the Planet.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm at White Chapel Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation are suggested.