Leroy V. Bruner Jr.

Leroy (L.V.) Bruner passed away on June 1st, 2013 at the Hospice of the Valley in East Mesa. He was born August 4th, 1925 (the eldest son of Leroy V. Bruner, Sr. and Mrs Mertie Mae Bruner) and married Kathryn Bernice (Doty) Bruner on August 18th,1950. Their union lasted nearly 63 years, only ending when his passing forced them apart - at least for a while. L.V. was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jimmy Bruner and Jesse Bruner.

L.V. leaves behind Bernice and four children, Kathy Massenti and her husband Tony of Apache Junction, and Barry Bruner and his wife Elizabeth of Washington DC. He also leaves behind four Grandchildren, Mike Bruner of San Diego California, Carrie Bruner-Reyes and her husband Patrick of Riverside California, and Kristin Bruner of San Diego California. He leaves behind one Great Grandchild - Asher Lee Reyes. He is also survived by two sisters, Leola Warren of Bay Arkansas and Sharon Bourgeois of Bunker Hill, West Virginia.

Mr. Bruner led a full, adventurous and satisfying life. He was a member of the famed "Band of Brothers" from the 101st Airborne Infantry Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Division during World War II. He fought in Europe from the Normandy Invasion to the end of the war. He crop dusted nearly two decades in Arkansas and Arizona, amassing over 25,000 hours in the air. He also taught seventh and eighth grade science at Casa Grande Junior High School for nearly 20 years after he retired from crop dusting.

L.V. was very active in his community, always trying to give back. He was a Mason, a charter member of the Optimist Club of Casa Grande, President of the Casa Grande Education Association, a member of the Arizona and National Education Association, President of the local Gideon Chapter, and volunteered frequently at the local food bank. He was very active in his church and sang with his church choir.

Throughout his life and in everything he did, he wove a deep Christian faith into his daily walk. Almost always greeting everyone he met with a warm and genuine smile, he will be sorely missed by those he leaves behind.

Mr. Bruner will be laid to rest at the Valley of the Sun Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 5th. Visitation will occur at 12:00PM, Funeral Service at 1:00PM and Burial at 2:00PM. Valley of the Sun Memorial Park is located at 10940 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler Arizona. Ph: 480-895-1232.