William Robert DeBrucque, 84, passed away peacefully on Oct. 3 with loved ones present.
He was predeceased in death by his brother, Phillip DeBrucque Jr. He is survived his longtime partner, Robert Stewart; daughters, Valerie Freund and spouse Charles, and Natalie Ozier, all of Texas; siblings, Marilyn Vale, Alene Hampton, both of Texas, and Winifred Rountree, of Okla.; other family members, Cheryl Rodgers, of Texas, Collette Stewart, Diane Lien and spouse Buck, Kim Routh, LeeAnn LeBrun and spouse Jack, all of S.D., and Brian Stewart, of Calif.; Four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, all of Texas; his loyal pet Benji.
William was born April 23, 1929, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to parents Phillip and Ruby DeBrucque. He spent his childhood with four siblings in the Tulsa and surrounding area. He served our country as an Army Sergeant 1st Class until 1952.
He completed his Bachelor of Science at The University of Tulsa in 1953, as well as receiving his Doctorate from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas in 1957. Dr. DeBrucque practiced dentistry in Texas throughout his career. He maintained memberships in many professional organizations and held various positions within these organizations, including lifetime membership with the Texas Dental Association, ADA and the Dallas County Dental Society, to name a few.
He was very active in Alcoholics Anonymous and helped so many through the program. Throughout his life he was recognized as a leader and was well admired for his achievements. His compassion was evident in everything he did and he could always be counted on when needed. William was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling, snow skiing, flying and golf. His favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at Cathedral of Hope.
In lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations be made in his name to Hope for Peace and Justice, Resource Center or the Miniature Schnauzer Rescue of North Texas.
Bill Teel, 48, died in hospice on Aug. 30.
He was a Texas native and graduated high school in Denton. He lived in Dallas for the past 25 years. Bill loved living in Oak Lawn and his passion was playing poker. A member of the Pocket Rockets Poker League, he often won the weekly tournaments. His favorite poker quote was “On my big blind?”
Bill will be missed by his friends, family and the Pocket Rocket Poker League. He is survived by a sister.
Donations in his name may be made to any AIDS agency.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition October 11,, 2013.