William "Bill" James Brunner

Bill was born November 28, 1925 in Quincy, Illinois to the late William and Emma Brunner. He was from a large family being one of ten children. He graduated from Ponchatoula High School and received his Prosthetic Certification from UCLA. Bill served in WWII, and received the Purple Heart for service at Iwo Jima in 1945, resulting in the loss of a leg. He lived the majority of his life in Houston and worked for Muilenburg Prosthetics for 52 years. Bill loved to work with wood, leather and other crafts. He was a man of God and served his Lord, Family and Country for 84 wonderful years. Bill is now running foot races on 2 good legs on the streets of gold.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dr. Celeste Walker Brunner; four children, Janice R. Sharp and husband Jim, Stephen J. Brunner and wife Sherri, Lori L. Morris and husband Glenn, and William (Bill) A. Brunner; thirteen grandchildren, Phillip Davis, Rebecca Hartsfield, Iris Sharp, Stacy McComb, Lisa Anderson, Erin Nally, Brandon Nally, Jake Brunner, Ty Brunner, Kendall Brunner, Julie Morris, Garrett Morris, and Ryan Morris; six great-grandchildren, Hannah Hartsfield, Hunter Hartsfield, Logan Brunner, Eli Anderson, Abby McComb, Carter McComb; brother, Charles Brunner; sisters, Frances Gilbert and Betty Vinning; multiple nieces and nephews; countless friends and family.

Family and friends are welcome to visit from 5-8 PM on Friday, April 2, 2010 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, April 3, 2010, 10:30 AM at The Encourager Church, 10950 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77079. Pastors James Bell, Kenneth Lowery, and Johnny Fernandez will officiate. Interment will follow in Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Encourager Church. Please visit www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for more information and to sign the online guestbook.