Estle E. "Bud" Brunton, 85, Topeka, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2013 at Clare Bridge of Topeka.
He was born October 6, 1928, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Glen D. and Viola L. (Culbertson) Brunton. Bud was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during the Korean War. He was a draftsman at Hallmark for over 45 years, retiring in 1990. He was a member of the West Side Christian Church, of Topeka, Kaw Valley Woodcarvers, Lake Shawnee Yacht Club and the Lawrence and Topeka Civic Theatres.
Bud married Kathleen A. Moeller in 1955. She preceded him in death in 1990. He later married Reta Allen French in 1994. She also preceded him in death on July 31, 2013.
Survivors include his step-children, Louise French Johnson, Topeka; Allen French, Mesa, AZ and Robert A. French Jr., Topeka; step-grandsons, Schuyler A. Johnson and Samuel T. Johnson, both of Topeka, whom he actively helped raise.
Survivors from Kathleen's family include three nieces, Debbie Sitorius and Terry Neiswender of Topeka & Julie Brookhart of Lenexa, KS; brothers-in-law Jerry White of Topeka, Bud Whitlow (Claudia) of Panama City; and cousins Gary (Mahala) Silversmith, Meriden, Karen Lichtenstern, Texas, and Judy Walker, Lawrence, KS.
Bud was preceded in death by a brother, Merlyn "Butch" Brunton.
Bud was proud of his service to "Uncle Sam". He enjoyed working for "Mr. Hall" at Hallmark. His big hobbies were woodcarving (which he even taught) and racing his boat with family and friends. He loved country music. He and each of his families loved to travel, either to a lake or around the world. Bud and Reta were able to visit the USS Topeka, which they helped sponsor. He gave great service to his church, and generously contributed to many organizations.
Visitation will be from 12 noon until service time at 1 pm, Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 10th & Lane, Topeka. Burial with military honors will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 6th & Gage Blvd, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Westside Christian Church, 432 SW Lindenwood Ave, Topeka, KS 66606 or Midland Care, 200 SW Frazier Cir, Topeka, KS 66606.