Wade Bruton

Emmitt Wade Bruton, 82, passed peacefully at home with his loving family on February 10, 2021, in Abilene, Texas.

Wade was born to Nettie Francis Hopkins and Emmett Hiram Bruton on September 30, 1938, in Hodges, Texas.

Wade grew up in Abilene and attended Wylie schools and Abilene High. He treasured fond memories of his childhood days on the family farm and doing work on a ranch. As a young man, he traveled to Waterville, Ohio, where he met and married the love of his life, Joan Verna Taylor, on June 12, 1960. He and Joan lived most of their 50-year marriage in Ohio, with some years in Abilene during the 1970s.  After his wife’s passing, he returned home to Abilene to enjoy cherished time surrounded by family.

Wade retired from a long career in quality control and transportation management at Biofit Engineered Products in Bowling Green, Ohio in 2003.  Throughout his life, he loved traveling in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Europe—always curious to see what is “over the next hill” and eager to meet a new friend and share stories. In 2019, he accomplished his goal of visiting all 50 states. He was a skilled woodworker, building many large customized pieces of furniture for family. He also had a love for gardening, tending an extensive collection of flowers. In recent years, he enjoyed many evenings dancing with friends at Rose Park and other area venues.

Wade was a happy, fun-loving, kind, and caring man. He cherished family connections, both past, and present, and was always pleased to welcome others into his circle. He and his wife fostered a number of children in Abilene.  In Bowling Green, Ohio, they hosted several exchange students from around the world.  Wade was generous with his love and gentle with his guidance.

Wade was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, brother Billy Bruton, brother Travis Edwin Bruton, and sister-in-law Virginia Bruton.

Wade is survived by his daughter Dawn Marie Bruton, daughter Mindy Jo Bruton, granddaughter Ashley Marie Long, grandson Steven Patrick Biela, great-granddaughter Adrianna Marie Anthony, great-grandson Dominic Edward Anthony, brothers Jim Bruton, Marvin Bruton and wife Mary, Tom Bruton and wife Carole, Knox Bruton and wife Carolyn, Royce Bruton, Keith Bruton, sister Brenda Bruton, sister-in-law Arritta Bruton, beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, exchange student “sons,” and many friends.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com . Memorial gifts may be made to the National Park Foundation or the charity of your choice.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in the chapel at Piersall Funeral Directors on April 10th at 2:00 pm, 733 Butternut St, Abilene, TX in the coming weeks.

If you would like to view the service, it can be found at https://youtu.be/yJY3sRlbTaA