Leslie Bernard "Les" Bruning

Leslie "Les" Bernard Bruning, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and public servant, passed away on June 17, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri. He was 85 years old.
Born on July 2, 1939, in Richmond, Indiana, to Leslie E. and Elsie Irene (Stone) Bruning. He attended Cuba High School in Cuba, Missouri, and went on to further his education at Northeast Missouri State University.
Les proudly served his country in the United States Army from October 1961 to October 1964, including a tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan. He embarked on a distinguished career as a Missouri State Highway Patrolman. Les was honored with the opportunity to attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He graduated from the Academy in 1984. Later in life, he also worked with State Farm Insurance.
After retiring from law enforcement and insurance work, Les and his beloved wife of 60 years, Myrna (McNealy) Bruning, built their dream home on Table Rock Lake. It became a cherished gathering place where they spent countless joyful hours with their family.
A man of many interests and deep compassion for others, Les found joy in golf, trout fishing, traveling with loved ones, and volunteering for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. He was also active in the Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and Kimberling City Methodist Church-organizations that reflected his lifelong commitment to fellowship and service.
Family was at the heart of everything Les did. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Myrna; his son, Eric Bruning and his wife, Kristi; his daughter, Allison Milewski and her husband, Scott; and granddaughters Emily and Rin Bruning. His legacy lives on through them.
Les was preceded in passing by his parents, Leslie E. and Elsie I. Bruning; and brothers, Jim Byrket and Jeffery F. Bruning.
Leslie Bernard Bruning will be remembered for a life well-lived-marked by integrity, generosity, and love for family. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.
A Warriors Watch Rider's final salute to Les will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 9:00 AM, at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Springfield, Missouri. The Warriors Watch Riders will escort Les to the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri, where he will receive full military honors and be laid to rest.
Care and arrangements have been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. – DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory, Springfield, Missouri.