Richard Lamarr Bruner

RICHARD LAMARR "DICK" BRUNER, 89, of Dunbar, West Virginia, passed away on January 16, 2025. Dick was born in Springfield, Ohio, on May 24, 1935, to Howard and Ardella (Sharp) Bruner. He moved with his parents and sisters to Dunbar in the 1940s.
Dick quickly acclimated to his new home on the Kanawha River in Dunbar, and unbeknownst to his parents, Dick would often swim across the Kanawha River (pre-construction of the Dunbar Toll Bridge) to swim at Rock Lake Pool in Spring Hill, and then would swim back across the river to get home. His athletic prowess extended to the football field at Dunbar High School earning him a football scholarship at West Virginia State College.
In his early twenties, Dick enlisted in the Army National Guard. After being honorably discharged, Dick enjoyed a long and productive work life, owing to his intelligence, common sense, and winning personality. In short, he excelled at anything he put his hands to.
Following employment on boats on the Great Lakes, Dick returned to West Virginia and worked at Union Carbide in Institute, West Virginia. He then joined the International Union of Operating Engineers and trained as a crane operator. His well-known skill as a crane operator led to his work for American Bridge on the construction of the New River Gorge Bridge. He would often say there was not a piece of steel on that bridge that he had not touched. Following the completion of the bridge, Dick worked in a supervisory position at the DuPont Plant in Belle, West Virginia.
Dick's work life then turned to one of public service. He enjoyed employment in various positions in county government, including as a Kanawha County Magistrate; as Chief Jailer for the Kanawha County Jail; and as Chief Deputy of the Legal Process Division of the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department. In his hometown, he served as a council person on the Dunbar City Council and was the municipal police judge for many years.
In addition to his numerous professional achievements, Dick was a 3rd Degree Master Mason and was a member of the Shrine. He was very active in both organizations in his younger years. Dick was also an excellent cook. The family has many fond memories of enjoying his culinary efforts at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and other family get-togethers. Dick enjoyed reading Louis L'Amour westerns; rabbit and squirrel hunting with his brother-in-law, Frank Leone, whom Dick would often say was like a second father to him; teaching younger family members to fish off his dock on the Kanawha River; taking care of his home and yard on the Kanawha River, particularly mowing with his John Deere riding mower; and walking his much-loved dogs (Jax, Domino, and Bear) over the years. He was the "MacGyver" in his family and could do (and fix) about anything.
Dick loved his family and his family loved him. As his nieces would often tell him, he was the best uncle anyone could ever hope to have.
Dick's beloved wife of 66 years, JoAnne Casto Bruner, predeceased him, as did his loving sisters, Joan Bruner Leone (Frank) and Donna Jean Bruner. He is survived by his beloved son, Todd; his nieces, Jeanann Leone, Louann Leone Petts (David), Trina Leone and Susan Bush; nephews, John David Casto and Robbie Casto and Tim Casto; His nieces, Jeanann Leone, Louann Leone Petts (David), Trina Leone, brothers-in-law, Dave Casto (Honey) and Don Casto (Brett Carberry); and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Dick graciously donated his body to the Human Gift Registry at Marshall University, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. His donation will benefit medical research and scientific education. At Dick's request, there will be no service, but he will be remembered by all those who loved and knew him as outgoing, friendly, helpful, generous, and kind. Dick never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed.
The family extends its sincere appreciation to the staff at English Meadows and Hospice. Anyone wishing to do so can donate in Dick's memory to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha