On Friday, November 5, 2021, Arnold Frank Brunner, loving and devoted husband, father of 5, Grandpa of 9, and Great-Grandpa of 6, passed away at the age of 85. Buddy, as he was known by his family and friends, was born on January 6, 1936 in Flatonia, Texas to Arnold William and Valasta (Valenta) Brunner.
Buddy grew up in Flatonia, a place he would always lovingly call his home. He graduated from Flatonia High School in 1954. After graduation, through his friend Don, a date was setup with Don’s sister which led to the marriage with the love of his life, Adrienne Maeker. Buddy and Adrienne were married on June 8, 1958 starting their 63 year journey together. With the help of his father, Buddy built the house he and Adrienne would raise their 5 children in. Buddy was very proud of the family he and Adrienne created. One of his greatest loves was spending time with his children and later their own families.
In March of 1959 Buddy, as only the second employee hired, began his career with Smith Farms/Cal-Maine. He started his 50 year employment as a truck driver. Through Buddy’s hard work and dedication, he ended his career as an integral part of daily operations. Through the years, Buddy not only left an impact on the organization but more importantly on the people he worked with.
Buddy’s love of Flatonia led him to serve as a member of the City Council and volunteer firefighter for many years. As an avid golfer, Buddy was a founding member of the Flatonia Golf Association. He was proud to have participated in helping bring the sport he loved to Flatonia. Buddy also enjoyed poker on Friday nights, dominos on Saturday at the Tavern, and coaching and playing for the Flatonia Wildcats on Sunday.
In retirement, Buddy started his day with drinking coffee with the morning crew at Kwik Stop/San Jose’s. He spent many afternoons and evenings at the golf course either golfing or playing dominos in the clubhouse. You could also catch Buddy and Adrienne on a joy ride through Flatonia and surrounding backroads between episodes of his favorite westerns.
Buddy is survived by his wife Adrienne (Maeker) Brunner of Flatonia, Texas; his son Kip Brunner of Flatonia, Texas; his daughters Belinda Brunner of Rockville, Maryland, Bonnie Brunner Burklund (Wesley) of Flatonia, Texas; Lisa Brunner Dobias (Sid) of Plano, Texas, Michele Brunner Siniard (Tommy) of Pflugerville, Texas; his sisters Carol Brunner Tupa (Frankie) and LaVerne Brunner Syler; his 9 grandchildren (Wade, Morgan, Brandon, Kasey, Colton, Bailey, Caleb, Emma, Grayson) and 6 great-grandchildren (Allie, Elliot, Jackson, Cohen, Pierson, Carter).
Buddy was preceded in death by his father Arnold William Brunner and his mother Valasta (Valenta) Brunner; his father-in-law Harry F. Maeker and his mother-in-law Ida (Cook) Maeker and his brother-in-laws Robert Syler and Donald Maeker.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Flatonia Golf Association.
A visitation for Arnold will begin on Thursday, November 11, 2021 at 4:30 PM at Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia, Texas. A rosary will be recited on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 9:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flatonia, Texas with a funeral mass following at 10:00 AM officiated by Father Eddie Winkler. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Flatonia, Texas.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.smithfuneralhomeflatonia.com for the Brunner family.
Smith Funeral Home - 128 East 5th Street, Flatonia, Tx 78941 Phone #361-865-3311
