Terry Bruington Obituary

Terry Joe Bruington of Emporia, Kansas passed away on Sunday March 2, 2025, at the age of 85.  

Terry was born on April 15, 1939 in Newton, Kansas the son of Oscar and Hazel (Jacobson) Bruington .He married Barbara Jean Gage on December 23, 1968 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Melvin Bruington and Rex Bruington, his sisters Wanda Davis and Donna Wahl, and daughter Michelle K. Bruington-Barraza. 

Surviving family members include daughters; Dana R. Sunderman (Rick) of Indiana, Shanna G. Thompson of Florida, Brenda L. Bruington-Dunham (Derek) of Arizona, and Donna M. Bruington of Montana; grandchildren, Mike Pugh (Ashley), Tanya Rowan, Ashley Dehnz, Richie Dehnz (Adriana), Bobby Dehnz (Faith), Alan Barraza (Rachel) Shelby Hannah, Tarren Kalapis (Brooke), Rikki Sunderman, Lilly Bruington, Asher Dunham, Alexa Sunderman, Hailee Thompson and Sophie Dunham; great-grandchildren, Kylee Pugh, Breanna Pugh, Braxton Pugh, Jayden Rowan, Presley Burros, Bradleigh Burros, Aurora Kalapis, Zayne Kalapis, Lena Barraza, Zoey Dehnz, and Jett Dehnz. 

Throughout his years, Terry was many things.  He was a veteran– he proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the United States Army.  Terry was also a leader – he worked his way through the ranks of his profession, starting as a power lineman and ending as a respected vice president in his company.  Terry was a man of God too– in his later years, he would get up every morning and type out Bible verses to send to his family and friends. 

But there was nothing more important to Terry than being a family man. Terry was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who dedicated his life to his family. He relished his status as patriarch and happily acted as the glue that held us all together. He enjoyed keeping everyone updated on family events – both big and small – and bringing us together as often as possible.  Terry loved more than anyone we know, and we all loved him immensely in return.  His most precious titles were father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, husband, and friend.  To all whose lives he touched, he will be forever missed.

Cremation is planned with a memorial service at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at First Christian Church, 202 E. 12th, Emporia, Kansas. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions for Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge can be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.