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David H. Brune

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University of Texas

David Brune Obituary

BRUNE, DAVID H., David H. Brune passed away peacefully on January 13, 2007. He was born on April 23, 1930 in Long Beach, CA. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eleanor Goode Brune of almost 49 years. He is survived by his two daughters, Claudia Sandbach and Elizabeth Hark; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and many loving family and friends. David served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1953-1983 was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1975, and served as Inspector General, Naval Reserve Readiness Command from 1975-1980 for which he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. David graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1953; University of Texas Law School where he received his J.D. in 1958. David was in private practice in San Antonio as a partner with Sawtelle, Hardy, Davis & Goode from 1958 to 1962. From 1960-1966 he served as General Counsel of the San Antonio River Authority and drafted the 1961 Act that reorganized SARA. He served as Manager of SARA from 1966-1968 and as General Manager of the Trinity River Authority of Texas from 1968-1979. From 1979 to 2001, he was associated with the Las Colinas development in Irving, TX in various private and public capacities. David was Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and a Director of Southland Financial Company 1979-1989, a publicly-held company that owned Las Colinas Corporation, of which he was Vice Chairman, Chief Development Officer and general Counsel and Southland Life Insurance Company of which he was a Director. From 1989-2001 he continued to manage the development aspects of Las Colinas and to serve as Corporate Counsel to the management successors of Las Colinas Corporation. From 1981-1999 he served as President and CEO of DCURD. He represented the Irving City Council on the Board of the Upper Trinity Regional Water District 1996-2000. When he retired from Cousins Properties he became more actively involved in his personal ranching operation as well as a valuable member of the Boyle & Lowry Law Firm from 2001 to 2007. David was a devout Catholic, a Knight of the Holy Sepulcher, and made his pilgrimage with Eleanor to the Holy Land in the early 1990's. He will be missed by many. A visitation and rosary service will be held on Wednesday, January 17 at Ben Brown Memorial, 707 MacArthur Blvd., Irving at 6:30 P.M. A funeral Mass will be held on January 18 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Irving. Graveside services will follow a Mass on January 19th at 12:00 P.M. in Crowell, TX. Ben F. Brown's Memorial Family Owned For Over 50 Years 707 N. MacArthur Blvd. Irving (972) 254-4242 www.Brownmem.com

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Published by Dallas Morning News on Jan. 14, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for David Brune

31 Entries

Teresa Crow

January 11, 2022

I can't believe it has been 15 years since Mr. Brune passed. I have so very many memorable stories I could share, through having worked with he and his assistant Bettie for so many years. I was blessed to have known him and know we will meet again one day.

Sonja Musser

January 8, 2020

I signed the Guest Book in 2007 upon his demise as Sonja Watkins, I am now Sonja Musser and still live in Irving and think of David Brune often as I visit Las Colinas often and love going to La Cima Club atop the Mustang Square! While working for the City we had luncheon meetings there and enjoyed his favorite corn chowder soup which they continue ur to serve! The view from there is breathtaking! David Brune would be happy to see the magnificent view of his handiwork! Rest In Peace kind friend! ✝❤

Jill Martinez

January 23, 2007

David Brune contacted me last year after Ben Carpenter's passing to tell me how much he liked the story I wrote about Ben Carpenter in my paper.

He invited me to lunch, after which he drove me around Las Colinas for hours and told me the most wonderful stories about the growth and development of Las Colinas. It was one of the most enjoyable afternoons I can remember.

David Brune was a very dear man.

Louise Curry

January 20, 2007

During the years I spent working for the Las Colinas companies, I had little contact with David Brune. I regret that, since during my visits to the offices afterwards, I was charmed by his friendliness and humor. He will be greatly missed.

Robert Potter

January 18, 2007

David Brune was a gentle, friendly and very knowing person.

My office is in Williams Square as a result of David’s advice. Also, he and Eleanor lived a few houses away from us in Fox Glen in Las Colinas.

Although I had no formal business relationship with him, I learned a great deal about the history of Las Colinas and could sense how proud he was of the role that he played in its formation.

A few months ago I told David that I think of him every day as I drive up Brune Way. I am glad he saw “his Hill” and Brune Way.

David Brune’s handprints and footprints have left their mark on Williams Square and on Las Colinas forever.

Linda Darden

January 17, 2007

I came to know Mr. Brune while working for the City of Irving.
Years ago, David invited a group of us to lunch in Las Colinas. The luncheon became a tradition, and I always looked forward to it. When I retired, David sent me the nicest note and mentioned that he wanted to continue the luncheons even though several of us had retired.

I will always remember "Mr. Brune, the man from Las Colinas," as a man with a sincere heart, a wealth of knowledge, and a great story-teller. I greatly admired and respected Mr. Brune. He will be missed by many--I, for one, will miss him.

Bill Enlow

January 17, 2007

I enjoyed working with David in serving the citizens of Irving in the field of Parks and Recreation. Some of Irving's beautiful parks are a result of his efforts. He will be missed.

Carolyn Vail

January 16, 2007

To the family of David, it has been a privilege to know David and meet you. My father, Allsion Denton, has spoken so often about David and how much he enjoyed working with him on ranch projects. May God bless you, and may David have peace with his wife in heaven.

Sonja Watkins

January 16, 2007

Mr. Brune will always be a part of my wonderful memories as an employee of the City of Irving. His passion for the City and the development in the Urban Center and surrounding area of Las Colinas, was a part of him shared by many. As a good friend he has left his touch within the hearts of all that were fortunate to know him both professionally and personally. He had a pet name for me that always made us smile and I shall never forget him. Thank you David, for being a part of my life.
Sonja "Pneumonia" Watkins

Bettie Barton

January 16, 2007

Well, I just don't know the words to say what I felt for Mr. Brune. I started working with him in 1976 at the Trinity River Authority, and I worked for him until he retired. He kinda scared me, too at times! He never allowed me to call him anything but Mr. Brune until about 3 or 4 months ago, then it was David, when we started emailing. He called me Madame Barton. We certainly had our ups and down while working together, but I always respected him and admired him. He was the most intelligent person I've ever met, and his stories were all so interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed our lunches with the City of Irving personnel. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him. He did always end his conversation with Eleanor with I Love You (even one time I remember he was kind of upset with her but he said I Love You before he slammed down the phone, I had to laugh, it was so funny, but I thought, what a great man!)and now he is with her again in Heaven. Eleanor was truly the love of his life and she, also, was a wonderful person, I loved her dearly. God Bless, you were loved by many.

Jo Ann Howes

January 16, 2007

Mr. Brune was truly a gentleman the likes of whom will not be seen again. He deserves all the good and kind words that have been written about him. I knew him both at the office and at church and he was the same good man both places. He was always so kind to me and to my husband. I am grateful I was privileged to know him and I will miss him but he looked so lonely the last time I saw him and now he is with his wonderful wife and he won't look lonely ever again.

Lary Snodgrass

January 16, 2007

David was a wonderful friend and business partner. We have many great memories of him and Eleanor at the ranch. Our family will miss him.

Judy Anderson

January 16, 2007

My deepest sympathy to the family. I have known David for many years through the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and as a friend. Every once in a while we would happen to meet at lunch and he enjoyed telling me about his ranch. He spent time one day telling me about Irving and how it has grown to the wonderful city it is today.

David will be missed by many for his mentoring, community work and friendship.

Colonel Kim Poole United States Marine Corps

January 16, 2007

Mr. Brune was an inspiration to me and I am forever indebted to his leadership. As a Navy Captain, he paralleled his highly successful civilian career with a similarly successful military career. I wish you "fair winds and following seas" in Heaven Captain Brune. Our prayers and condolences are with your loved ones.

Emma Petty

January 16, 2007

I first met Mr. Brune in 1990 when I was employed at JPI. He scared me to death. I found out later that he was a lamb. We formed a special friendship. He called me "Emma Belle, the salt of the earth" and insisted that I call him "David". That just never felt right to me, so I continued to call him Mr. Brune out of resepct. There will never be another like him. He never ended a phone conversation with Miss Eleanor without saying "I love you". Such a gentleman. He will be greatly missed in all sectors.

David Bain

January 16, 2007

Deepest sympathies to the family and many friends of David Brune. It is not often one meets such a distinguished and honorable person, who was always so passionate about the people in his life and the things that were important to him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. He will be missed but remembered by many.

Brad Sandbach

January 15, 2007

Words can not express the sense of loss at David's passing. His guidance and leadership both at work and in life proved to be the guiding light for many who were lucky enough to be touched by him. His undying love for his wife Eleanor kept him going through thick and thin. I know that he is finally complete again now that he is re-united with her in God's Kingdom. God Bless you David. Until we meet again....

Elizabeth Brune Hark

January 15, 2007

Claudia and I are so honored that Dad had so many loving friends. Everyone has been so supportive and we appreciate all that everyone has done during these five weeks. We love and miss you Dad. We believe you are reunited with Mom in eternal life. Please give Mom a hug for me.

Rebecca Sandbach

January 15, 2007

As a wonderful grandfather and mentor, David H. Brune will be greatly missed by his grandchildren. He taught me many things about life, work, and the joys of having a family. I know that he is resting in peace now that he is with Grandma Ele. May we all remember him as a wonderful man who loved us all very much.

Kitty Boyle

January 15, 2007

How good it is that life gives us friends like David to share the ups and downs and to enhance the love of family. friends, colors, flowers and of course chocolate!

Arthur Williams

January 15, 2007

I knew David only through chance meetings at Rotary and the Chamber of Commerce. My wife and I were a year ago guests at a table hosted by David at the Irving Chamber of Commerce's "State of the City" annual meeting. I was impressed by his dignity, wisdom and humility. Only later did I learn that he was indeed very influential in making Las Colinas what it is today.

Teresa Crow

January 15, 2007

Mr. Brune was a great gentleman! My sympathy to his family. After working together for over 20 years he asked me to start calling him "David". But, he has always had my utmost respect and he will always be "MR. Brune" to me. I will certainly miss him.

Pat Carnell

January 15, 2007

It's hard to imagine life without David. He was an outstanding businessman, recognized as such by his many colleagues and friends. My memories are of a man who was a true gentleman, one that truly cared for others. I will never forget the wise counsel he provided during the years he served on the Irving Foundation Board. He will be greatly missed.

Lowell Cannaday

January 14, 2007

David became a valued friend during the 12 years that I have known him. I was always impressed with the level of positive influence he displayed professionally and socially, and the humility regarding his many achievements. My sinceere condolences to his family.

Kathy Howard

January 14, 2007

You never tired of being in David's company, he was a Las Colinas historian and could entertain you with the many stories of the early years. He had such admiration for Ben Carpenter that when LaCima Club awarded their first John R. Hill Legacy award, they chose to honor Ben and Betty Carpenter and Dan and Carolyn Williams at the nomination of David Brune. David helped to arrange to get them there and made sure they were taken care of well.
David was also the first Underwriting Chairman for Lyric Stage’s first CABARET at the Fairmont Venetian room. Lyric Stage was honored to have his support from the beginning.
RBC Life Sceinces also enjoyed the expertise that David offered as a valued board member of this local public company.
David was a fine gentleman and will be missed greatly by all that had the priviledge of knowing him.

Christine, James, Eddie and Laurin Engle

January 14, 2007

David loved his family and will be missed by everyone. His devotion to his wife Eleanor was evident in his care and love for her. Our prayers and love are with the family during this difficult time. David is with Ellie now in the heavenly kingdom.

John S. Blewster

January 14, 2007

David was an important influence in my life, teaching, always through example, the right way to conduct one's life. He was tireless in his devotion to the development of the organization he led. I value and honor greatly lessons learned and experiences shared while working with him at the Trinity River Authority.

This world will miss his leadership.

Dossie Kincaid

January 14, 2007

A wonderful person and a dear friend. Dossie Kincaid Crowell, Texas

Edward Hark

January 14, 2007

We cherished every minute you were here with us David, and you were taken from us way too early but we know you are finally reunited with your lovely bride Eleanor and will rest in eternal peace. We will think of you and all you did for us everyday and we will try to pattern our lives as you did yours, committed to family, religion,community, and helping others. All our love always, Edward and Elizabath Hark

Bill Chaplin

January 14, 2007

A dearm friend and trusted mentor

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