Paul Arthur Bruehl

Paul Arthur Bruehl, born July 12, 1950, in Norman, OK, passed away from this life on August 6, 2024, at home at the age of 74, following a battle with brain cancer. He was the oldest of four siblings and lived his entire life in Norman. His only time living outside Norman was while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. from January 1970 until April of 1974. He was proud to have served in the Honor Guard while stationed at Camp Smith in Hawaii before being stationed in Yuma, AZ, where he exited service with the rank of Sgt. Having earned the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Letter of Appreciation.
Upon returning to Norman, he went to work for OG&E, where he worked for the next 36 years. After retiring from OG&E, Paul began work part-time for two local car dealerships as a driver for dealer trade vehicles anywhere there was a need. He also was an avid volunteer delivering Meals on Wheels to Norman residents for many years. He loved talking with older people and believed they always had the best stories to tell. Paul never met a stranger and everyone he met was treated like a close friend.
He had a natural talent for loving life, loving people, and collecting and keeping friends. He touched the lives of many throughout his life with kindness and always looked for ways to surprise unsuspecting individuals in unexpected ways. Those individuals never knew their benefactor, as he had no need for praise, just the satisfaction knowing he had made someone's day. If asked what Paul's hobbies were, there were two obvious answers – music, and travel. No matter if it was a concert, state fair, football or baseball game, bus trip, driving to national parks, a cruise, or a trip to Europe, he was ready to go. If he could combine travel with a concert, that would make it even better. He collected friends from all over the world during those travels and stayed in touch with each one of them.
In 1998, Paul met his wife Debbie on a blind date at a baseball game. After 3 years of dating, they were married in 2001. During their 22 years of marriage, they traveled extensively and enjoyed exploring new adventures together. Paul loved cruising the Caribbean and the two went on numerous trips exploring virtually every island.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, Leo Bruehl, mother, Evelyn Bruehl, sister, Cindi Howard, and brother Dennis Bruehl. Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Debbie; stepdaughter, Kerry Lopez; son-in-law, Jose Lopez; two grandchildren, Alex Lopez and partner Kiersten Cowart, and Kassie Lopez and partner Miguel Barba; one great-grandson, August Rio Barba; sister, Patricia Hames; brother-in-law Phil Howard, sister-in-law Judy Tull, and brother-in-law Ronald Foster and his wife, Sharon Foster; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends; and of course, his loving and very faithful dog, Luna.
We would like to thank Valir Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving for their kind, compassionate, and very special care during Paul's final days.
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