Lawrence Victor Bruhl

He left behind his beloved daughter, Gwyn Thanos and her husband Tolis Thanos; his grandson and wife, Terry and Vanessa Thanos and their two daughters Victoria and Katherine, his granddaughter Ryan and her husband Shane O’Neill, as well as many special nieces, nephews, sister and brother in-laws, his loving companion Trudy Cryer and especially his godsons Scott Kirkpatrick and Robert Lawrence Grimes.

Larry grew up in Chicago, an only child, in the loving care of his parents Ernest and Stella. He showed an early interest in music and excelled as a piano player and drummer. While in high school he played in local dance bands and had his own combo.

In 1942, he joined the Army in Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. He was fortunate to join the military band, playing drums, under the leadership of known bandleader Wayne King. The band traveled with the Irving Berlin Show, participating in bond rallies at war plants.

When the war was over in Germany the band was broken up. As the country was preparing for the invasion of Japan, Larry ended up in Okinawa and then on to Korea. In 1946 after being discharged from the Army, Larry was back to Chicago working for Chicopee Mills, the textile division of Johnson & Johnson. During the day he traveled for the company and then put on the tuxedo at night to play with his combo.

In 1949 he was transferred to Dallas, where he met his lovely wife Prue Morrison, his partner for 55 years. In 1953 he joined, Milliken & Co., the same year his only child, his daughter Gwyn was born. His business career moved him to Cleveland and New York City. In 1965 he felt fortunate to move back to Dallas, as Milliken’s Regional Manager. He retired at age 70.

Larry was an angel on earth. A caring and loving soul, he met no strangers and was eager to serve and help others. His love for family extended to everybody he met. His laugh, youthful presence, great dressing skills and positive attitude defined a very special man.

Larry’s strong faith enabled him to climb any mountains presented to him and deal calmly with life’s obstacles. He has loved his Lovers Lane United Methodist Church since the beginning with Tom Shipp.

Larry’s smile will be missed but his loving influence will surround us forever.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Caring Friends, Inc., 4024 Lanark Ln, Houston, TX 77025.