Gary Lou Bruns

Gary was born in Belmond, Iowa on June 17, 1941 to Fritz and Elsie Bruns. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Franklin Consolidated School, Latimer in 1959. Upon graduation, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was then stationed in Kingsville, Texas.

Gary met Adele at the local U.S.O. and love ensued. They later wed in 1963 in Houston, Texas. Married life found them busy quickly with the birth of their first child, Tressa. The end of Gary’s naval service brought their lives to Iowa where they lived from 1965 to 1976. The family’s Iowa adventures were filled with the birth of two more Bruns’ kids in 1970 with Dani, and 1971 with Keith. The family lived active lives in Iowa Falls, Iowa where Gary was a part owner of Cooper & Bruns Tree Service.

In his spare time, Gary enjoyed snowmobiling with friends where he served as the Iowa State Snowmobile Association president. The couple spent many enjoyable hours traveling across the state.

In 1976, Gary and Adele’s life took a twist with a move to Baytown, Texas. Gary began a new career as an electrician at the Baytown Olefin’s Plant where he later learned electrical drafting and design. He then worked for many years with GDS, and other Exxon contractors.

In Texas, Gary found his spare time spent at the Little League ballpark with his son, and grandchildren. With his heart of service, Gary spent many hours on the ball field coaching and managing. Later, you could find Gary on the Little League board at the local and state levels.

Gary was an active member of Cedar Bayou Grace United Methodist Church where he sang in the chancel choir for many, many years. His faith in God was the driving force in his daily life, as he lived, loved, and raised his children. Gary also sang in the Baytown Community Chorus where he traveled to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Gary is survived by his daughter Tressa Lyndell and Tom Galvin of Baytown, Texas; daughter Danielle Suzanne and James Lamb of Baytown, Texas; son Keith Matthew and Michelle Bruns of Spring, Texas. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Marie Galvin, Christine Sanders, Ally Lopez, Lauren Cantrell, Colton Lamb, Forest Hayes, Maci Lamb, Corbin Hayes, Kaela Bruns, Maegan Baker, and Gavin Beasley. He is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren: Kaylie Warren, Aubree Sanders, Zoey Stayton, AJ and Dexter Melcher, Keyshawn Ross, Callie Cantrell, Lainey Fayle, Kaiden, Kora, Rhea Tezno, Natalie Beene and Ryder Beasley, and one more due to arrive in 3 weeks.

He is survived by his sister Elaine Shaffer of Dodgeville, Wisconsin, Caren Green of Des Moines, Iowa, and Cathy Larsen of South Dakota; his sister-in-laws Linn Bruns of Owatonna, Minnesota, and Shirley Strong of Latimer, Iowa; and many extended family and friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Gary on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church at 3811 N Main St, Baytown, TX 77521. All in attendance are invited to join the family for lunch following the service. Interment will follow at a later date under the direction of Earthman Baytown Funeral Home.