Robert Girard Brunton

Robert Girard Brunton of Bella Vista, Ark., died on Sept. 22, 2014, at Covenant Place of Lenexa. He was born on May 14, 1923, in Topeka, Kan., to William and Jeanette (Delfosse) Brunton. He graduated from Highland Park High School in Topeka, Kan., in 1941, summa cum laude; and after distinguished veteran service in World War II, graduated from Kansas State University, 1949, cum laude with a bachelor's of science degree in mechanical engineering. A model of "The Greatest Generation," Bob served courageously in the U.S. Army in France and Germany in 1945-1946, earning the Bronze Star for valor in combat operations in the mountains of France. He left the active service in 1946 and entered the Army Reserve, rising in leadership to the rank of colonel before his retirement from service in 1983. Bob grew up in Topeka, Kan., where he met and married the cherished love of his life, Betty Lou (Grimes) Brunton. They moved to Wichita, Kan., in 1951, where they lived, worked and raised three children. Upon moving to Wichita, Bob worked for the Advance Furnace Company (later Advance Products), where he rose from design engineer to chief engineer; ultimately retiring in 1983 as plant manager. Bob and Betty also owned and operated Brunton's Preschool in Wichita. They were active members of Westside Christian Church and Riverlawn Christian Church, where Bob served in multiple leadership roles. Bob was tirelessly devoted to his profession, his family, his country and his faith. Upon retirement in 1994, Bob and Betty moved to Bella Vista, Ark., wintering in Pharr, Texas, where they enjoyed the community of a large group of square and round dancers. They were active members of Bella Vista Christian Church and beloved neighbors of the retirement community at The Plaza at Highlands Crossing. Bob is preceded in death by his parents; and after a 63-year marriage, by his wife, Betty Lou (Grimes) Brunton; and by two sons, Robert and David, who died in infancy. He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Memorie (Shaw) Harrison, Beverly (Rogge) Black, Charles Brunton and Mickie Brunton. He is survived by his brother, Don Brunton of Albuquerque, N.M.; three children, Ron Brunton and his wife, Kay, of Wichita, Kan., daughter, Jan (Brunton) Hansen and her husband, Doug, of Olathe, Kan., son, Dan Brunton and his wife, Sandy, of Wichita, Kan.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ryan and wife, Mariam, of Overland Park, Kan., and their daughter, Hannah, Lindsay (Hansen) Patrick and husband, Shawn Patrick, of Greenwood, Mo., Kylie (Brunton) Brenneis and husband, Jay, of Wichita, Kan., and their children, Natalie, Emily, Allie and Lily, Kevin Brunton and wife, Chassidy, of Wichita, Kan., and their children, Kelsey, Kaylee and Kenzie, Allison (Hansen) Ronning and husband, Rich, of Lenexa, Kan., and their children, Grace, Cole and Camryn, Jake Brunton and wife, Allison, of Waco, Texas, and their daughter, Dylan, Megan (Brunton) Hollenback and husband, Richard, of Monterey, Calif., Gail Brunton of Galveston, Texas. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, at 6 p.m. at Cedar Ridge Christian Church, 8835 Lackman, Lenexa, Kan., with Brian Wright officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bella Vista Christian Church, Bob and Betty Brunton Memorial Fund, 103 Riordan Road, Bella Vista, AR 72715. Condolences may be left at CremationCenterKC.com.