Russell Tillman Bruno

Celebration of life services for Russell Tillman Bruno, 76, of Tool, Texas will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church in Tool, Texas with Pastor Kristin Rockwell officiating. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:30 am.

Russell passed from this life on November 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 19, 1948, in Franklin, Louisiana to Russell Joseph and Iris Joy (Tillman) Bruno. Russell grew up in Franklin, graduated from Franklin High School, earned his associate’s degree from Louisiana State University, married Ms. Sharon Boozer on February 15, 1969, before proudly serving this country for 8 years in the U.S. Army. During his time in the army, Russell spent a year in Vietnam, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant before returning to the U.S. to teach helicopter maintenance and serve 2 years in the army reserves. Upon his return, Russell enrolled in school and finished his bachelor’s degree at Troy State. Russell enjoyed his job in the oil and gas industry and over the years visited every state and country in Central and South America. During his free time, he collected model helicopters and veteran t-shirts and hats. Russell adored scuba diving, singing in the choir and cooking Cajun food, especially crawfish, with his family. After his first wife’s passing, Russell met Ms. Debra Arnold, who he married in June 2013, and was blessed with 11 wonderful years.

Russell is preceded in death by his late wife of 43 years, Sharon Bruno; parents, Russell and Joy Bruno; brother, Billy Bruno; sister, Joy Lynn Bruno.

He is survived by his family, beautiful wife, Debra Bruno; sons: Kevin Bruno, Kenneth Bruno and wife Sue, Brent Nickelson; daughters: Kristin Bruno Atkinson and husband Gregory, Kyla Bruno Peter and husband Dan, Lynsey Grissom and husband Will; grandchildren: Ashley, Helen Nicole, Joseph, Isaac, Max, Emma, Katherine, McKenzie, Nathan, Lainee, Claire, Caden, Addison, Niko, Nolan, Saylor, Kinsler, Aceson; 1 great grandchild, Kolton; 2 sisters; Aunt June Stevens; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Atkinson, Joseph Bruno, Max Bruno, Isaac Bruno, Will Grissom and Brent Nickelson.

In lieu of flowers, financial contributions in memory of Russell Bruno can be made to The American Kidney Foundation.