Lorence L. Bravenec

Lorence Larry Bravenec was born November 13, 1935, in Houston, and left this world on September 19, 2023 at his home in College Station, a town he served and loved. He leaves behind his wife of over 30 years, who he met while each of them was teaching at Oxford University: Zora (Manka) Bravenec of Bratislava, Slovakia.

Preceding Lorence in death were his parents John J. Bravenec and Florence Mary (Malinak) Bravenec of Houston and two of his brothers, John J. Bravenec of Temple and Benjamin B. Bravenec of Houston.

He is survived by his three children from his first marriage, two sons and a daughter; John Barton Bravenec of Seattle, Washington, with his children William and Elizabeth; Edward (Eddie) Lorence Bravenec of San Antonio and his wife Kathryn (nee Giglio) Bravenec and their son Benjamin E. Bravenec; and Helen (nee Bravenec) Cooper of Austin and her husband Robert Cooper and son Robert Cooper IV (aka "Iver"). He is also survived by his close friend and brother, Robert Bravenec and his wife Nelda of College Station.

Lorence is also survived by his Slovak family--children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of his wife Zora. He loved his Slovak family very much, and thoroughly enjoyed his time with them. They are: daughter Vanda Ferianca and her husband Dusan Ferianc with their two daughters Nina Geci-Feriancova (husband Eric Geci and children Oskar and Mila Geci) and Malvina Feriancova; and son Jergus Vizar and wife Kristina Vizarova and their children Victor Vizar and Klara Vizarova.

"A Life Worth Living"

Lorence was proud of his Czech heritage. He was a lifelong member of the Brethren church and the SPJST. He was also a founding member of the Czech Heritage Society of Brazos Valley.

Lorence graduated from Reagan High School in 1953, earned a Bachelor of Arts and a law degree from the University of Texas. In 1966 he completed a masters of law from New York University. In his professional career he worked for a variety of institutions including The United States Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service, and teaching positions at The University of North Dakota and The University of Pittsburgh. From 1971 to 2010 he was a Professor of Accounting at the Mayes School of Business. He held the Leland and Ernst & Young chairs of accounting, and held numerous other positions, including chairing the graduate tax program. He was frequently asked by the U. S. Treasury Department to undertake a variety of investigative studies of possible tax initiatives. He was a member of the American Law Institute, and a Chair of the ALI's Subchapter S Section of Taxation. He authored many articles and textbooks, which were published widely in the field. He was proud of teaching and his students. He estimated that he taught over 5,000 students during his career.

Lorence also engaged in many civic roles. He served on the College Station City Council from 1974 to 1976, and Mayor of College Station from 1976 to 1980. College Station became a true city under his guidance. The initiatives he started were many. College Station began its own utility service, separating from the City of Bryan. Its parks system expanded greatly--a foundation that continues to today. And the ambulance service went from being run by funeral homes to a true professional service that had a response time one-half of most major municipalities. Most importantly, Lorence decided to leave on his own terms. He left public service when he was loved and admired, and turned to others to lead in his stead. He was succeeded by his former colleagues, Gary Halter and Larry Ringer. The three of them ared for their city, both as mayors and former mayors, and did their best to shepard it to the thriving town we see today.

He was well known for his wit and wisdom and it was said he would comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. His sense of humor was unique, almost as unique as the man himself.

Lorence was a devoted Christian, believing in the service to others that he thought was the true message of Christianity. He helped found the Brethren Church of Bryan and College Station. He nurtured friendships that lasted more than half a century. He loved his nieces and cousins in a cheerful and playful manner. He loved his brothers and parents in a deep and abiding way. He loved his children and wife more than life itself.

He loved singing and he was a member of the choir for many years. Among his diverse interests, he enjoyed the outdoors as an avid camper, fisherman, hiker, bull frogger, and beekeeper. He was recently asked his favorite thing to do, he quickly said, watch my wife walk across the room. Lorence was an avid hiker and because of Lorence, Zora was able to see over 44 national parks.

He was also human. With faults and quirks and mannerisms that no person who knew him will forget. His life was full and deep, and it was a life worth living.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Snook Brethren Church. Interment will follow at Snook Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 - 7 pm Friday, September 29 at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station.

Three of Lorence’s favorite charities were the Brazos Valley Food Bank, the Brethren Church of Bryan-College Station, and S.P.J.S.T. Memorial donations may be directed to these, if desired.