Ted D. “Coach Bru” Bruington, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 4:48 pm Thursday, March 12, 2020, at his home.
Ted was born April 2, 1940, in Galesburg, the son of James Arnold and Carolyn Pauline (Anderson) Bruington. He married Barbara Jean Harpman on June 9, 1963, in Galesburg. She preceded him in death on March 14, 2005.
Ted is survived by his one son, Bryon D. (Amy) Bruington of Plainfield, Illinois; two daughters, Kelli D. (Brad) Bosch of Ankeny, Iowa and Mindy J (Brian) McDonald of Carmel, Indiana; his brother, Gary Bruington of Galesburg; eleven grandchildren, Katie (Peter) Hollinger, Emily, Sarah, Megan, and Jake Bosch, Ben, Hope, and Luke McDonald, Jack, Sam, and Grace Bruington; nephew, Bret Bruington and his niece, Angie (Marty) Powers both of Galesburg and his beloved companion, Monty. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three granddaughters, twins, Brooke, and Madison and BB McDonald and his sister-in-law, Alice Bruington.
Coach Bru taught history for District 150 in Peoria, Illinois, teaching at Peoria Manual High School and Woodruff High School, as well as Glen Oak Middle school and White School Middle Schools for over 33 years. He coached football, basketball, baseball, swimming, and diving. Coach Bru retired in 1995. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958 and Bradley University with a bachelor’s degree in education. He was inducted into the IHSA Sports Hall of Fame, Bradley Hall of Fame and Galesburg High School Hall of Fame. The coach was one of the top 100 players for the Missouri Valley Conference at Bradley University pre-1973 for baseball. Coach Bru was an avid sports fan with a great love of any sport. He especially loved following his grandchildren in whatever sport that they may have been participating in. Ted attended Coldbrook Christian Church. He was extremely patriotic, loved his country, a great western movie, vintage radios, and Victrola record players. Above all, he loved his family the most.
Funeral services are scheduled for noon, Friday, March 20, 2020, at Coldbrook Christian Church with Pastor Rick Warren officiating. Visitation will be 11:00-Noon at the church. Burial will be in Mosher Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Guardian Angel Humane Society for his love of his many rescue dogs. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with services. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
