Robert Harold Bruhn, 89, of North Richland Hills, Texas, died Aug. 11, 2024, at his home. Mr. Bruhn was a longtime resident of Festus until his job with PPG Industries transferred him to Wichita Falls, Texas, and then to Huntsville, Ala., where he retired in 1997 after 44 years. He and his wife, Joan, returned to Texas shortly after. In his early years, Mr. Bruhn lived on a small 20-acre farm in Pevely where several members of the Bruhn family resided. Eventually, the street on which they lived was named Bruhn Lane. He graduated from Herculaneum High School in 1953. As a high school athlete, he earned several honors in track and basketball. Although baseball was not offered at the high school, he played on local baseball teams and was considered one of the best local baseball players. He and Joan married on Feb. 13, 1954, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Crystal City. He worked for Coca-Cola, Chrysler dealership in Crystal City, his dad’s Shell Service Station and PPG Industries. He also was in the Army Reserve for eight years. An avid fan of all sports, his favorite was always baseball. Some of his favorite memories were coaching baseball for the kids and playing baseball for the local semi-pro baseball team, the Twin City Reds. He was the last surviving member of the team and remained in touch with many of his teammates and their families until their death. In later years, he became an avid golfer and played all over the country at some prestigious golf courses and was able to meet players such as Fred Couples. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When his boys started playing competitive baseball, he hung up his spikes and started coaching. He served twice as president of the Twin City Little League Baseball Organization. He spent many hours umpiring, working on the fields and helping young men learn how to play. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and was proud of their accomplishments. Born Feb. 12, 1935, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late David E. and Pearl V. Bruhn.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years: Joan (Drury) Bruhn; six children: Michael (Lynn) Bruhn, Cathleen Carroll, Robin (Mike) Cook, Steven (Penny) Bruhn, Donald (Christy) Bruhn and Amy LeClair; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by two brothers: David O. (Ginny) Bruhn and Arthur Ray (Melva) Bruhn; parents-in-law: Raymond J. Drury and Lola B. Drury; a brother-in-law: Joseph R. Drury; two sons-in-law: Kenneth P. Carroll and Paul J. LeClair; and a grandson: Ryan M. Cook.
A funeral service was held Aug. 16 at Forest Ridge Funeral Home in North Richland Hills, Texas. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements were under the direction of Forest Ridge Funeral Home.