Larry Gene Bruder

Larry Gene Bruder, 74, went to be with the Lord, December 29, 2021. A memorial service will be held at Sunnybrook Christian Church on Thursday, January 6 at 10:30 a.m. Dighton-Marler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Larry was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma on November 14, 1947, to Edwin Theodore Bruder and Betty Golliver Bruder. He had three sisters, Judy, Ginger and Joy. He graduated Ponca City High School in 1966. In 1967, he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served in the Vietnam War, 1st Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. He was awarded CIB (Combat Infantry Badge). In 1969, Larry returned home, married Linda Brown, and began working as an optician for his father-in-law while attending Oklahoma State University. In 1982, Larry started his own business, Stillwater Opticians. Over the next 30 years, Larry made many lifelong friends dispensing eyeglasses.
Veteran's Day was especially meaningful to his family, as they set aside time to honor him for the sacrifices he made for our country's freedom. 41 years after returning from war, his platoon reconnected, having regular reunions, which brought healing to all who attended.
Larry was a genuine family man who loved the New York Yankees, his mother’s fried chicken, and the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Linda Brown Bruder. He also enjoyed watching sunrises from ''the rock'' at his hunting cabin, driving country roads, and anytime his home was filled with family. His family motto that he always included at the close of the dinner time prayer was "and peace in the valley."
Being an avid sports fan gave him a wide range of trivia he retained easily. Friends would call him to get information they knew he could "pull up” quickly. While raising their family, he used his natural athletic ability and kind heart to coach little league, not only his son, but many boys who needed a positive role model in the neighborhood. We're going to miss his contagious smile, his silly antics and his humor to keep everybody happy.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, and two children: Lane Bruder, Linzi Sneed and her husband Chad of Stillwater. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren: Libby Bruder, Landry Bruder, Hollis Sneed, Everett Sneed and Bree Sneed.
Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook by visiting www.dightonmarler.com.