John Ives Bruner, 93, of Odon, Ind., formally of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana on Monday, December 2, 2024. He was born January 26, 1931 to the late Ralph and Goldie (Riggins) Bruner in Odon, Daviess County, Indiana.
John went to school up until about the 7th grade when he went to work for Bell Atlantic climbing telephone poles. John worked as a farm hand for several local farmers. In August of 1952, John was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Lawton, OK. He served from August 1952 to August 1954 when he transitioned into the reserves for the next 6 years. During his service, John earned the National Defense service and the good conduct service medals.
On April 27, 1954 in Lawton, OK, John married the love of his life, Lois (Sebolt) Crow. John helped Lois raise her children, later to have a son together. John worked for 28 yrs for Sears and Roebuck in Lawton, Oklahoma as a delivery driver. Upon retirement, the couple moved back to Daviess County in the mid 1980’s. Together, Lois and John drove for the Amish. John lost Lois to cancer in March of 1993. The couple was just one month short of celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary. John continued to transport the Amish until his declining eyesight triumphed. For the last 25 years, John could be found every morning enjoying good food and even better friendships and comradery at the Kaffee Haus in Odon.
Surviving is a daughter in law, Elizabeth Bruner, Geronimo, OK; daughters, Betty June (Crow) Haskins, Eldred, PA and Brenda (Charles) Hudson, Kingwood, TX; nephews, Lee Archer and Carl Bruner; 7 grandchildren, and many great and great-great grandchildren; dear friends, Deeda and Steve Richardson, and caregiver Melissa Hall.
In addition to his parents, and loving wife, John was preceded in death by sons, Lonnie Crow in 1977 and Gary Bruner in 2011; a son in law, Leon J. Haskins; brothers, Charles Bruner and Carl Bruner and sisters, Betty Archer and Eleanora Byrer, nephew Starlin Bruner.
Services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements and care were entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.mengfuneralhome.com.
