Born in Baytown to parents Ouida and Howard Brunson, Howard spent his early years learning about business operations from both of his parents. He would later offer these lessons to his daughters in their youth. Determined to move to Austin as quickly as possible, Howard attended the University of Texas, graduating with a degree in Journalism. While at UT, Howard made two decisions that would change the trajectory of his life for the better. He joined the US Army and he pledged into his fraternity, Sigma Chi. He would be deeply involved in Sigma Chi alumni work for the remainder of his life. From UT, he served in the U.S. Army as an officer. During his years of service, he served in many roles, including Company Commander, Troop Movement Officer, and later attaching to the 101st Airborne Division. Howard had fond memories of his time at Fort Benning, GA and Fort Jackson, SC. He recalled that it was in his Army years, he would grow to appreciate warm and dry socks—an article of clothing he would receive as gifts from his daughters for the rest of his life. He always said, “One can never be too kind, too happy, or have too many socks.”
In his professional life, Howard excelled in commercial real estate, managing properties throughout his life, and the last 20 years with his wife, Linda. Howard worked every day that he lived and he loved it. Howard was known around Austin for his volunteerism and philanthropy. Indeed, the groups he helped are too numerous to list. Most notably, he served on the Planning Commission, having an instrumental role in the development of the City of Austin. He was a chair of Austin’s sister city committee which interfaced with Saltillo, Mexico. He partook in starting what would become Austin Smiles. For his health services work in Mexico, that country’s government awarded Howard the DIF Medal for Humanitarian Service. Additionally, Howard served as President of the Mental Health Association. He also founded and was president of several Rotary clubs, bringing countless members into its ranks over the decades. More recently, he enjoyed serving on the board of Austin Clubhouse.
Howard thrived connecting with others and he loved his friends. He was the second in the nation to bring women into Rotary and was a champion for women in business. He was incredibly proud of his three daughters and he always pushed and supported them in their endeavors, hoping they would never be constrained by a glass ceiling. Howard will be remembered for his love of people, his extraordinary business sense, his ability to sneak chocolate chip cookies into his pockets, his devotion to his family, and his enduring humor.
Howard is survived by his loving wife of thirty-six years, Linda Brunson, his beloved daughters, Stacy Brunson, Cordie Brunson Grosvenor, and Christine Brunson. His grandchildren James (Chealsy), Mark, and Claire, his great-grandson Thomas, and his son-in-law Charles Grosvenor. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
A proud Episcopalian, Howard enjoyed telling people about his journey to the Episcopal Church. In 2022, he vested his youngest daughter at her ordination as an Episcopal priest. Howard’s funeral will be at 1 o’clock on Saturday, April 27 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Austin. Donations can be made to Rotary International (https://my.rotary.org/en/donate) or St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church (https://stmattsaustin.org/).
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.11.6