John Robert Brunk, 97, of Virginia, IL died Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 7, 1926, in Cass County, the son of Lewis F. and Hazel Lenora (Turner) Brunk. He married Legora Cary on Sept. 29, 1956, in Jacksonville, and she survives.

He is also survived by two sons and one daughter, Rick Brown (deceased wife, Lou Ann) of rural Jacksonville, Gene (Christina) Brunk of Virginia, and Wanda Fay Surratt of Virginia; eight grandchildren, Brandy McGraw, Cindi Cooley, Lisa Little, Kristen Petefish, Ashley Garner, Cheyenne Barrett, Dakota Barrett, and Lynze Brunk; thirteen great-grandchildren, Krista Baker, Gage Huber, Jonathan Baker, Amare Little, C.J. Cooley, Isabella Garner, Sophie McGraw, Aidan Garner, Payton Petefish, Paxton Petefish, Lee Little, and Finley Garner, and Justice Little; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Frances Rogers, Dorothy May Brunk, and Maribelle Crossman; and one brother, Ralph Brunk.

Mr. Brunk served in the U.S. Army during World War II from Sept. 28, 1944 to Nov. 15, 1946. When he returned from there, he began farming. He was a truck driver for Cass County FS, retiring after over twenty years of service. He also worked as a crossing guard and a wiener stick maker. He enjoyed helping his family and friends whenever needed. He was a member of Virginia Church of Christ.

A graveside service will be held 1:00 PM Friday, June 2, 2023, at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Virginia. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.