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Bruce Bartels Obituary
Bruce served in the United States Army in Korea, Europe and Vietnam, totaling more than 20 years of service. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer and he served as a bodyguard for secretaries of defense, Harold Brown and Casper Weinberger. Upon retirement he served as a bodyguard for Kenny Rogers, touring the country. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and ranching. He was a Mason, Shriner, life member of NRA, Ducks Unlimited sponsor and member of Safari Club International.
Left to cherish his memory is his brother, Ronald J. Bartels; numerous nieces and nephews and friends at Fort Clark.
Interment at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery.
Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2020 Bedell Ave., Del Rio, Texas Funeral is in charge of arrangements (830)778-2020.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Bartels
Ron Bullock
September 24, 2025
Bruce and I worked a large murder case in Stuttgart back in the late 1970's. Great agent and super friend, sorry to see him go. RonBullock
Ric Wilkerson
March 28, 2025
I was curious about Bruce´s whereabouts today and googled him only to find out that he had passed. I was an MP in the 66th MP CO in Karlsruhe Germany where Bruce was the Special Agent in Charge of the CID unit. It was both an honor and privilege to work with him in drug suppression operations and investigations. Following his retirement, he saw to it that we always had front row seats to any Kenny Rogers concerts in our area. Roy Rogers, Kenny´s little brother was in our unit as well and also passed a few years ago. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Chief Bartels, always have and always will. Blessings on his family.
Ron Bullock
September 24, 2023
Bruce and I served in Germany, USACIDC. We worked a few case together the most memorable was a murder case in Stuttgart Germany. I was stationed in Schwaebisch Hall and was TDY to Stuttgart on this case. I believe he was lead agent.
Ron Bullock
October 17, 2020
Bruce and I, Ron Bullock and others of the Stuttgart FO worked a murder case wherein an American dependent wife was killed. I left before the case was completed and never found out who the subject was. I am so very sorry for everyone's loss, RIP my friend.
Ron
Bob Busby
October 16, 2020
CID Memories of Bruce - We were stationed in Karlsruhe together and became good friends. Years later we visited him in Louisiana when our son was about two years old. We went out to lunch and our son was sitting next to Bruce on a high chair. The waitress came over to take our order and was wearing a short skirt and stood between Bruce and our son. All of a sudden she backed away and was glaring at Bruce, who had both his hands up in the air telling her it wasn’t him. Our son had somehow put his hand under her skirt and touched her derrière! Once she realized that it was our kid, she relaxed and cracked up. Every time I think of Bruce, I remember this incident and crack up. It was a lot funnier if you were there in person...
Edgar Struble
January 5, 2018
You were a good friend and a good man. You will be missed.
Edgar - Kenny Rogers Band
Ashlea Gordon Lee
November 28, 2017
Oldest Granddaughter
November 28, 2017
Tracye Bartels-Enis Sherwood, Ar.
October 9, 2017
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I pray in the midst of your sorrow you find comfort in all
the joyful memories shared and will always cherish these beautiful memories . Romans 15:13 -
D.W.
Connie
October 2, 2017
May the God of comfort be with you at this time
Gary Cunningham
October 1, 2017
My dear friend Bruce. Rest in Peace. We had great times together. Will remember you always
American Legion Post 272- Montegut, La.
September 30, 2017
May you Rest In Peace, from your comrades in arms.
Henry Brownlee
September 30, 2017
Ron, Sorry to learn of your brother's passing.
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