Michael Brunton

Michael F. Brunton Michael Fred Brunton, Topeka bankruptcy attorney and lifelong resident, passed away March 24, 2011, while working in his law office. He was born on Sept. 15, 1948, to Charles Ray Brunton and Margaret Jane Brunton Smith. Michael attended Sunny Elevation Grade School and Washburn Rural High School, graduating from Topeka West High School in 1966. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, during the Vietnam War before being honorably discharged in 1972. After finishing his military service, he earned a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Washburn University and a law degree from Washburn University School of Law. He began his career as an attorney in criminal law and later shifted his focus to bankruptcy law, a practice in which he thrived. He's received some unconventional compensation for his services over the years, including a gun collection, a 1970's pickup truck, several microwaves and a Lhasa Apso named Dahli, which survives him. In June of 1978 he married Janet Bullard. In his free time, Michael enjoyed playing and listening to music. He was a singer/songwriter and was guitarist for the Bruce Levine Memorial Dance Band while attending law school. He was also an enthusiastic grandfather, teller of tall tales and an avid Jayhawks basketball fan. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Janet Brunton; a son, Bryan Brunton and his wife, Natalia, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; four daughters, Kara Stranz and her husband, Ken, of Olathe, Erin Bess Pennington and her husband, Joe, of Topeka, Terra Brunton her husband, Doug, of Lawrence, Marlee Brunton and her fiancee Chris Hrenko of Montpelier, Vt.; a sister, Dr. Jolee Brunton and husband, Ken Loyst, of San Diego, Calif.; 10 grandchildren and counting and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and his stepfather Dr. Lawrence Smith. A memorial service will be held at Jayhawk Tower in the Florentine room on Thursday at 3 p.m. with a reception following from 4 to 5 p.m. Parking is available across the street at Assumption School. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in his name to the American Civil Liberties Union at http://action.aclu.org. Michael F. Brunton