Richard “Rich” Bruder

Richard “Rich” Bruder, 68, of Morganton passed away, Monday, January 21, 2019. Born on June 25, 1950, he was the son of the late Kenneth Leroy Bruder and Elizabeth Lucille Tipton Bruder.

Richard was an Elder and member of Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church, where he served on numerous committees. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in the 5^th Special Forces. Richard worked for the City of Morganton as a Public Safety Officer and later retired from the state as a Juvenile Court Counselor.

Richard is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lelia Withrow Bruder; daughter, Beth Bruder; grandchild, Kara Cali; nephew Brett Withrow (Dana), Trey, Malia, and Parker. brothers, Freddie Bruder, Paul Bruder, Edward Bruder; sisters, Mary Elizabeth Bruder and Linda Ann Bruder. Rich is also survived by sister-in-law Laura Whisnant (Donald) of Fayetteville, brothers-in-law Reid Withrow and David Withrow (Christina) of Morganton.  He is survived by many nieces and nephews including: Jimmy Withrow of Virginia, Jamie Gladden (Jeff) of Morganton, Ellen Abernathy (Dennis) of Lenoir, Sherri Spichiger (Gary) of Douglasville Georgia, Crystal Bleu (David) of Pinehurst.

In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his sister, Deborah Bruder.

He was golfer and played on the Quaker Meadows Golf team. He coached softball and basketball, and later in life became an avid spectator for his granddaughter, Kara, and great-niece, Malia. Rich was a transplant from Ohio and he loved Ohio State sports.  After his retirement Rich was rarely seen in anything other than his flip flops and his trade mark floppy bucket hat. Rich was loved and respected by many and protective of those he cared for. He will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, frank perspectives, boisterous laugh, and all-around larger-than-life personality.  He loved his family fiercely, especially all children, and took great pride in becoming “Uncle Rich” and “Pop-Pop.”

The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, January 27, 2019 at Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  At other times the family will be at the daughter’s home in Mountain Shadows.

Memorial contributions may be made to Quaker Meadows Presbyterian Church.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.