Richard Leon Brunette joined his heavenly father on Thursday, August 17, 2023, after a brief illness at the age of 87 years. He was born on July 26, 1936 in Easterly, Texas to parents, Louis "Louie" Brunette and Ola Eaton Brunette.

Richard attended school in Easterly through the 8th grade and then went on to graduate from Franklin High School in 1954 where he played football for the Franklin Lions. Richard joined the United States Marines on October 21, 1954 to serve his country. He was stationed on Military Base in Puget Sound in Washington State during the Korean War.

He married Mary Ann Slaughter on February 16, 1957 and to this union, 2 children were born, Ricky Lynn and Tammy Kay.

Richard worked for his brother-in-law, Bill Scasta in home construction for a while before moving on to work for Western Union in 1959. While working for Western Union, he held several positions there before retiring in 1987. After his retirement, he continued working raising cattle and gardening well into his 80's.

Richard was a member of the Grand Lodge of Texas, Patrick Lodge #359 Franklin, Texas and served as a Master Mason for 56 years. He was also member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter #311 Franklin, Texas for 56 years.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Ola Brunette; his siblings: Horace Lee Brunette, Otis Lewis "Dutch" Brunette, Susie Annie Brunette Hanna, Frank Lee Brunette, Charles Brunette, Earline Brunette Meadors, Weldon Ellis Brunette and Jack Elton Brunette.

He leaves behind his loving children, Ricky Lynn Brunette and Tammy Kay Brunette Wilson and husband, Mike; his grandchildren, Rebecca Brunette and husband Chris Thompson, Eric Brunette and wife Shaye and Katlyn Wilson and husband Kenneth Varvel; his great grandchildren, Colton Thompson and EJ Brunette. He is also survived by his sisters, Velma Louise Frances and husband Norman and Delma Ruth Scasta; sister/in-law, Charlene Brunette.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at the New Baden Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to the service at 9:30 A.M. under the pavilion at the cemetery.