Joe Bruick

Deacon Joe Bruick, 77, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2013 after a long and vigorous battle with cancer. He was born January 21, 1935 in Conway, Arkansas. He and his wife Barbara moved to Texarkana in 1961 when he was named manager of Miller Bowie Supply, a position he held with foresight and professionalism until his retirement at the age of 75. He was an active member of St. Edward's Catholic Church, and was ordained into the Permanent Diaconate in 1993 fulfilling his lifelong love for Christ's ministry. He pursued his ministry passionately, touching many lives within the church parish as well as his community while officiating countless baptisms, marriages, and funerals. He also lovingly spent many hours assisting those in need by visiting the sick and addressing the spiritual needs of those who were home bound. He was an inspirational part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults team and Christ Renews His Parish. Mr. Bruick is preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara Cothren Bruick, his parents, Joe and Cecelia Strack Bruich, his brothers Tony, Gerald and Edwin Bruich, and his sister Lorene Bane. He is survived by two sons and their wives, Larry and Lori Bruick of Springdale, Arkansas; Bob and Gloria Bruick of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and a daughter and her husband, Marsha and Ron Meyers of Little Rock, Arkansas. A sister and brother-in-law, Hilda and Raymond Nahlen of Conway, Arkansas, and a brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Ruth Bruick of Fort Smith, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Thomas, Jessi, Noah, and Nick; and a great granddaughter, Adalyn, and numerous other family and friends. Deacon Joe loved his wife, loved his family, loved life, and loved his ministry. He felt honored to share his genuine love for others throughout his life and his memory will continue to inspire all the lives he has touched. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10am Saturday, January 19, 2013 at St Edward's Catholic Church with Msgr. David LeSieur and Deacon David Fowler officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery under the direction of East Funeral Home-Downtown. A vigil service will be held at 6pm Friday, January 18, 2013 at St. Edward's Catholic Church, 407 Beech St., Texarkana, Ark. The family will be at #10 N. Hermitage, Texarkana, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to St. Edward's Catholic Church. Online tributes can be made at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.