Larry Bruton

Larry Bruton, born February 24, 1938 to Glenn and Venice Hallock Bruton of Delta, Colorado, passed away Monday, October 30, 2017 at age 79. Cause of death was due to complications of heart disease.

Mr. Bruton spent his youth in Delta, participating in the many farming and ranching activities of his extended family. Following high school in 1956, he became produce manager for Safeway and later a lineman with Mountain Bell Telephone. Mr. Bruton enrolled at Fort Lewis College in 1960, and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science and Secondary Education degree. He was among the institution’s first 4 -year degree graduating class. While attending college, he worked as an engine watchman for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, was a health inspector for San Juan Public Health, and a chemist for Vanadium Corporation of America.

In 1965, his first teaching position was with Ignacio 11JT where he taught biology, chemistry, and physics until his first retirement in 1981. During this time period, he was Vice President of 9-R School Board and Co-chairman of the Durango Tourism Board. In 1987, he returned to teaching on the Navajo Reservation with McKinley County Schools and Central Consolidated Schools in New Mexico until his final retirement in 2002. In addition to his educational career, he was a successful entrepreneur and built a small business resulting in the ownership of several Durango rentals and three local motels. He took pride in maintaining the historical integrity of his Third Avenue residence and was well known for cultivating a beautiful garden. Larry was a very skilled woodworker, as well as a talented Sunday painter. Those who knew him, knew he possessed an unparalleled positive attitude and zest for life, combined with a strong faith that enabled him to endure the challenges of his later life with grace. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, JoAnne Bruton of Durango, son Chris Bruton (Loree) of Houston Texas, son Jay Bruton (Kristina) of Durango, and daughter Aimee Mannering of Windsor, Colorado. Also surviving are grandchildren; Tyler Bruton, Adam Bruton, and Shayla Mannering, a sister Carolyn Welch (John) and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Venice Bruton, a brother, Lowell G. Bruton, and an infant son Stephen Bruton.
Services will be announced at a later date.