Eugene Ray Brunner

Eugene “Gene” Ray Brunner, 84, of East Glenn, passed away January 12, 2021 in Westminster Village in Terre Haute. He was born July 19, 1936, in Terre Haute to Oscar and Cleo Brunner. Gene is survived by two step-daughters Pam Webster and Mindy Lewellyn (husband John); one grandson Justin Nicoson (wife Courtney); one great-granddaughter Isla Kay Nicoson; one brother Ron Brunner; one nephew Scott Brunner (wife Kathleen) who referred to himself as “Gene’s Buddy”; one niece Karen O’Connell (husband Jim); special neighbors and friends Tony and Wanda Mack, along with many other special family and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Susan Brunner, and longtime companion and soulmate Sally Ann (Menser) Webster. Gene graduated from Wiley High School in 1954. He attended Indiana State University before being drafted into the US Army on July 13, 1961. He served with the First Infantry Division - the “Big Red One!” - until 1967 when he received an Honorable Discharge. He worked in construction, was a ranger for the National Park Service in both Colorado and Montana, and retired from the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department in 1989. The loves of his life were Sally Ann, his dog Crib, and the mountains of the American West. He also loved good dogs, good guns, and especially bird hunting with Crib. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for many things, especially the care and devotion he gave Sally Ann. There will be no visitation or graveside service for Gene. He will be laid to rest in Roselawn Memorial Park next to Sally Ann. A future gathering for family and friends will be announced. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net