Thomas R. "Tuck" Brunner

THOMAS RUDOLPH BRUNNER, 73, of Plano Texas went to be with Jesus on June 14, 2020, surrounded by family at Faith Presbyterian Hospice.  Tom, lovingly known as "Tuck", was born September 20, 1946, in Wichita, Kansas, to Thomas Brunner and Mary Helen (Fitzgerald) Brunner, both deceased.

Tom was baptized at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Wamego, Kansas, and later confirmed at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Wichita, Kansas. At the early age of 13, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout and received the God and Country award. He graduated from Wichita High School Southeast and graduated from the University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism.  He was initiated into the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Tom went to work for AT&T in Topeka, Kansas, and he retired as Vice President of Public Relations in Dallas, Texas.

Tom's life gifts were leading, mentoring, and serving others. He served his churches as a Stephen’s Minister and Stephen's Leader.  He served the business community with participation on Executive Board Committees of the Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, KERA, and was President of the Camp Fire Girls' Board for Greater Houston. He represented AT&T with pride throughout his career. He served others, especially children, through mentorship at Mendehall Elementary in Plano, as a CASA volunteer in Collin County, and co-chair of the Leadership Advocacy Team for CASA Collin County.

For all his service to these organizations and his community representation of AT&T, Tom received many awards and recognitions. More important than all of his business and civic accomplishments was Tom's heart for others. His huge persona filled his family and friends with warmth and good humor. His love and protection of his family was always his priority. His wife, his children, his grandchildren knew they were loved and cherished. They also knew that 'Papa Tom' tended to take charge, to 'fix' their problems, to heal their hurts, and to push them to be the best person they could be.

His jokes, anecdotes, actions, and poems are legendary with his grandchildren. Tom loved people. His friends were special to him. He cultivated friends in every city of residence, in every organization, and in every neighborhood. His baritone voice was instantly recognizable. His presence could be formidable, but that big man with the big voice and the confident stride was the sweetest person. He loved animals, especially his giant Schnauzers. He was generous and quick to provide help wherever needed. His daughters describe him as the best daddy. His many friends describe him as the best buddy. His wife describes him as the love of her life. God will welcome him as the happiest angel. He will be missed every minute he is gone.

Tom is survived by his wife, Wanda Brice-Brunner, and two children Kylee Rice and husband B.J. Rice, Shanon Greer and husband Robert Greer, as well as Michele Roberts, Jon Pitt, and Michael Tomas and brother in law, Charles Brice.  Tom was also blessed with eleven grandchildren - Riley Roberts, Reagan Roberts, Grayson Greer and wife Emily, Kendall Greer, Allie Rice, Ryann Roberts, Mirannda  Medlock, Christian Greer, Brooke Rice, Piper Greer, Mitchell Rice, and Hank (his giant schnauzer).

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Children's Advocacy Center at 2205 Los Rios Boulevard, Plano, Texas, or First United Methodist Church, 3160 E Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas, or Operation Kindness, 3201 Earhart Drive, Carrollton, Texas.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Tom at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at Allen Family Funeral Options.  Due to COVID 19, we have reached the capacity of the chapel.

The family invites everyone to watch live the Celebration via a webcast, live stream or the recorded version later.

http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/31952