BRUNSON, Wilbur Leftridge

Arizona Silver Belt Globe, Az. 30 Oct. 2012 Wilbur Leftridge Brunson was born on Nov. 3, 1943 and was the son of George and Lorene Brunson. He was born and raised in Globe, Ariz. and was the second of four children, brothers Andy and Jack and sister Dorothy. In 1960 Wilbur joined the Navy at the age of 17 and began what would be a 10-year stint. During this time he worked his way up to an E5 ranking and received the awards of National Defense and Combat Medals for Vietnam Service and Vietnam In Country. He was so proud to be in the Navy and was very honored to have served our country. On Dec. 22, 1971 he was honored once again when he married the love of his life, LaVonne. They were married for 40 years, displaying a supportive and caring marriage unlike any other. They were blessed with three wonderful children, Allen, Stacie, and Tom. In 1986 Wilbur began his 20-year career as a Pinal County Deputy Sheriff. Wilbur rose to the highly respected position of sergeant and was extremely passionate about his work. Anyone who knew him admired him for the dignity that he brought to his position. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); one of his favorite activities was to play the guitar and sing alongside his brothers and friends at the VFW. He also loved hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, and golfing. More than anything, though, he loved and was devoted to his family, which includes six grandchildren: Kyle, Amber, Deni, Tyrel, Dusty, and Coby; and three great-grandchildren, Morgan, Reese, and Emmy. Wilbur was called to the Lord on Oct. 22, 2012; on this day another angel was taken home. Wilbur will be forever loved and dearly missed by all who knew him. For anyone who would like to celebrate his life memorial services will be held Nov. 3, 2012 at Trinity Baptist Church, 460 S. Hagen Rd. Globe AZ, 85501 at 10 a.m.