OBITUARY
John D. Bruton, Jr.
March 2, 1929 – January 14, 2011
John Dexter Bruton, Jr.
March 2, 1929 – January 14, 2011
John Dexter Bruton, Jr. was born March 2, 1929 in Mitchell County, Texas, to Martha Anne Dockrey and John Dexter Bruton. He had an older sister, Anne B. Fitzpatrick, and a younger brother, George L. Bruton. Growing up in Colorado City, Texas, he graduated from Colorado City High School and served in the United States Army from 1952 through 1954 while stationed in White Sands, NM, during the Korea War. John graduated from Texas Tech University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1958. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Kappa Mu Epsilon, the engineering and math honor society. He was a Fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers and a member of the Texas Society of Civil Engineers. Mr. Bruton was a Registered Professional Engineer for the state of Texas and was employed by Humble Oil & Refining Company, later Exxon, for his entire career. He held various positions in the Production Department and later transferred to the Land Department where he served as the Operations Manager for the development of Kingwood, Texas. He was often referred to as “Mr. Kingwood,” a title which brought him great pride.
He married his high school sweetheart, Dalphene Edwards, on June 26, 1948, and they would have celebrated their 63rd anniversary in 2011. They had four children; Deborah Bruton Stephens, married to W. Max Stephens; John Edward Brusen; Karla Bruton Smith, married to Bryan C. Smith; and Kirk Stephen Bruton, married to Lynne Dampier Bruton. John and Dalphene were blessed with 13 grandchildren and 2 additional grandchildren by marriage: Tom A. Bruton, married to Emily Puhl Bruton; Rachel D. Smith McNally, married to Brandon S. McNally; John David Bruton; D. Lyndsi Stephens; Krista D. Stephens; Reagan A.C. Smith; Clint S. Bruton; Dale L. Bruton; Michelle A. Brusen; Haley B. Brusen; Kelli C. Brusen; Casey D. Brusen; and Alys J. Bruton.
He was preceded in death by his father, John D. Bruton, Sr.; his mother, Anne Dockrey Bruton; and sister, Anne Bruton Fitzpatrick. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, brother, and large extended family.
Mr. Bruton experienced a wide, varied life with many accomplishments and felt his greatest accomplishment was his marriage of 62 years and his four children. He was equally blessed to have planted the Kingwood Church of Christ in 1971, and to have led the first worship service in his Kingwood home. John was blessed to have served as one of the congregation’s first elders.
As the Operations Manager for Exxon’s real estate development division, Friendswood Development Corporation, John was responsible for the planning, development, engineering, and construction of Kingwood. He was very proud of the challenging project, superior product, and beauty of Kingwood. He chartered Kingwood’s first Boy Scout Troop, Troup 1377, and served 35 years as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Harris County, retiring with honors in 2010.
He retired in 1992 from Exxon Mobil and he and his wife purchased a ranch in the East Texas town of San Augustine where they enjoyed the beautiful ranch for 11 years before moving back to Kingwood. He greatly enjoyed having a place for his children and grandchildren to experience and explore the beauty of the outdoors.
He had three priorities in his life – God and His church, his family, and his country. He was faithful his entire life to the Lord, loving and supportive of his growing family, and a dedicated patriot to this wonderful country. The Lord took him by his hand and welcomed him to his Heavenly home on the early morning of January 14, 2011, at his home in Kingwood, Texas, surrounded by his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made, in honor of John D. Bruton, Jr., to the Christian School of Kingwood, 806 Russell Palmer Rd, Kingwood, TX 77339, or the charity of your choice.
The family hears his voice call to us from his Heavenly Home, “Come when you can!”
Arrangements under the direction of Kingwood Funeral Home, Kingwood, TX.
Services
- Funeral Service Sunday, January 16, 2011
- Visitation Saturday, January 15, 2011
- Graveside Service Monday, January 17, 2011
REMEMBERING
John D. Bruton, Jr.
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RECEIVE UPDATESJanuary 28, 2011
My sympathy to you and your family. Even though we were cousins, I have only seen John a few times in my life. I so enjoyed the video, was an oportunity to known my family better. May God comfort you in the days ahead. GAIL CATCHING HOWE, TEXAS
JEANE ROGERS
January 20, 2011
DALPHENE THANK YOU FOR SHARING JOHN WITH US WE WERE SO MUSH BETTER TOO HAVE KNOW HIM KINGWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SO MUSH BETTER THANK TOO HIM JEANE ROGERS
Sherry Kitts
January 19, 2011
Dalphene My deepest sympathy for you and your family. When you came into the shop I know he wasn't well. I know your family will wrap their arms around with much love. God Bless Sherry Kitts Humble, Tx.
JEANE ROGERS
January 18, 2011
DALPHENE AND FAMELY YOU AND JOHN WERE SHUCH A BLEASEING TOO ME THANK FOR ALL YOU DOINE FOR KINGWOOD JEANE ROGERS
January 18, 2011
Dalphene, I remember the very first time we came to church at Foster Elementary you and John had us come to your house for dinner, My memories are then of hospitality, loyal elder and teacher. Because we have Kingwood, we have a loving Christian family. Betty Jones
Darlene Beaman
January 18, 2011
Our family has been blessed by John Bruton's life in so many ways--by the beautiful Kingwood Community, by the loving faith community of Kingwood Church of Christ, and by himself and his large extended family. Thank you John for all the numerous ways you've enriched and strengthened our lives by your own.
Victoria Fowler
January 18, 2011
Having grown up in Kingwood and at Kingwood Church of Christ, I keep thinking about how his fingerprints are all over my home. It wouldn't have been the same without him.
How lucky the Bruton family is to have him as a father and grandfather, and how lucky Heaven is to have him now. As for me, I'm just lucky to have known him. He is, and always will be, missed.
January 17, 2011
Dalphene, So sorry we missed your call. We were out of town for a dental conference. You and John hold a special place in our hearts. Thanks for all you have ment to us through the years. A friend from West U sent the information to us, he said it was in the West U bulletin. We would have come, sorry. Love you Jim and Barbara Haller (Abilene, TX)
Kathi Marsh
January 17, 2011
Such a beautiful example of how a man should live. We are all better for having known John. Heaven received a great treasure when John came home!
Much love to the family, what a great blessing to have been loved by such a great man!
Kathi
Bob Garrett
January 17, 2011
I had the privelage of working with John on both the Clear Lake City and Kingwood projects. He was always a joy to be around. My sincerest condolences to his family.
January 16, 2011
Dalphene, My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of John - a man looked up to by many. I'll always remember that he made Kingwood. But more than that, I'll remember him as a dedicated church leader. May God be with you.
Chuck Knapp
Aymara Lilienthal
January 16, 2011
Uncle John's light continues to shine even brighter in the presence of God. Hallelujah that we know we will all see each other again one day.
Janet Middlebrooks
January 16, 2011
With much love to each of you,
Aunt Juanita Edwards
Mary Irene Edwards
Janet Middlebrooks
Dan Middlebrooks
FROM THE FAMILY
"Last Stand at Telegraph" 1984
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Tied the Knot
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Washington D.C. ~ 1994
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Crater Lake OR ~ 2002
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What a career!
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Chartered first Boy Scout Troop in Kingwood - Troop 1377
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Wedding Day ~ June 26, 1948
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Photographer White Sands Missle Base, New Mexico
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The Brutons
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Tres hombres
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Hilton on the hill
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Christmas 1962
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"The Great White Hunter"
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Always a bridge to build.
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Kingwood Church of Christ ~ Early Elders
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Daddy, Little George, Mom, Sis, Young John
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The gangs all here!
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Mom & Dad at the ranch
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Yellowstone ~ 1993
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Our First Cruise ~ 1992
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Golden Wedding Anniversary ~ June 26, 1998
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Use "The Gate"
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Golden Wedding Anniversary
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Bruton Boys
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A Real Swinger
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T'was the night before Christmas
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John & Dalphene Married 6/26/1948 Grand Daughter Rachel & Brandon Married 6/26/2010
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Dad & Dale
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A Wonderful Christmas Carriage Ride
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Celebrating Birthdays
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3 times the Fun
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Come Walk With Me And Be My Love ~ The Best Is Yet To Be.
IN THE CARE OF