Donald Floyd Bruce

We are here to celebrate Donald Floyd Bruce's life. He had 90 great years. Donald was born Nov 21, 1920 in Kewanna Indiana. He was the youngest of 4 brothers, Charles Eldon, Thomas Burdell, Ralph Eugene, and lastly Donald Floyd. His parents Zella and John Albert had a farm, and were very happy to have 4 strong boys to work the farm. His father died 5 days before Don's 10th birthday, and all the boys looked out after their mother and the farm after that.

Don played basketball in high school as did some of his brothers. They were a tall brood. After high school Don stayed in Kewanna to work the farm, but in 1939, at the age of 19, he went to Chicago to attend a 6 month trade school to become an electrician. Don then served in the army as a Tech Sergeant in the Army Air Corp from Aug. 7, 1940 to Oct. 8, 1945. He served much of his time in Italy during World War II maintaining air craft.

Don's mother had offered each of her boys $500 if they did not smoke or drink before the age of 21. Don took that to heart, and in the army he traded his cigarettes for such things as soap, and would give the soap to the women that he found to do his laundry. Don liked the women, but not enough to get married. He considered women just another vise. Smoking, drinking, and women were something he stayed away from. He also watched his nutrition and health and was remarkably well with little medication at the age of 90. He knew he was on borrowed time, however. He had read that left handed men and single men did not live to the average life expectancy. Don was trying to beat the trend and to beat his mother, who died at the age of 94, and his oldest brother, who died at the age of 93. It looks like the left handedness and the single living caught up with him!

After the army Don moved to Indianapolis and worked under another electrician for awhile, then started his own business, Bruce Electric. Don had all the work he could wish for, since he used higher quality materials, and he did a lot of wiring for new home construction. Don met his best friend, Harry Theuerkauf, through another friend at his favorite diner. Harry was a chiropractor and had also served in WWII. They were good enough friends that they purchased plots next to each other here at Crown Hill. Today Don will be laid to rest next to Harry and his wife.

The themes in Don's life are family, friends and country. Although you always had to initiate the contact he was there for his family and friends in time of need. He saved every card sent to him, and logged every phone call in his "notes". He had a lot of notes. Don was a bit of a loner, so it was hard to get close to him. But those that did find a way in, were very dear to him. He would always be happy to tell stories about his family and friends and share their accomplishments.