Riley Newman Brunson Sr.

Riley Newman Brunson Sr., 82, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Chandler, Oklahoma.

Riley was born on October 1, 1942, in Wills Point, Texas, to Newman Heston Brunson and Susie V. (Bogard) Brunson. In 1961, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea. He served his country with honor until his discharge in 1963.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1967, Riley married the love of his life, Virginia Florence Tyson, in Texarkana, Arkansas. They shared many wonderful years together until Virginia’s passing on July 9, 2022.

Riley spent more than 25 years working in construction across Texas as an operating engineer. He was also a skilled stonemason, contributing to the stonework on several high-rise buildings in downtown Dallas—a craft he took great pride in.

A lover of the outdoors, Riley especially enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a regular at the Waffle House in Mesquite, where he cherished the simple joy of coffee and conversation with friends. An avid gardener, he cultivated tomatoes, onions, potatoes, squash, okra, and radishes with care and dedication. He also adored the companionship of his beloved cats: Brown Cat, Bubba, and Sissy.

Riley was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas. In 2021, he relocated to Chandler, Oklahoma, to be closer to family and became part of the Chandler Southern Baptist Church community.

Riley was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Brunson; his parents, Newman and Susie Brunson; brother, Wiley Brunson; sister, Wanda Bass; and a nephew, Buddy Brunson.

Those left to cherish his memory are sons, Riley N. Brunson Jr., of Mesquite, Tx, Paul Brunson and wife Gena Brunson of Chandler, Ok, and daughter-in-law Bethany Brunson of Mesquite, Tx; his sister, Liz Osteen of Terrell, Texas; grandchildren, Nathanael Brunson of Mesquite, Tx, Emelyn Brunson of Mesquite, Tx, Erica Brunson of Chandler, Ok, Ethan Brunson of Chandler, Ok, Ryan Harp of Mesquite, Tx, and Jacob Neal of Chandler, Ok; as well as other family members and friends.

Riley will be laid to rest with military honors at Davenport Cemetery in Davenport, Oklahoma.