James Cole “Herbie” Bruton
James Cole “Herbie” Bruton, a former Field Operations Manager for Oxy Permian who selflessly poured into the lives of others throughout his life, died on January 22 at his home in College Station, TX. He was 67. The loving grandfather, who often joked with his grandchildren that he was “made of steel,” died peacefully after fighting a harrowing battle with cancer for nearly 15 years.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life during visitation in Bryan-College Station, TX: Friday, January 27, from 6 pm to 8 pm Callaway- Jones Funeral Center, 3001 S College Avenue, Bryan, TX 77801. Visitation in Andrews, TX: Monday, January 30, from 5 pm to 8 pm Mc-Nett Funeral Home, 705 N. Main St., Andrews, TX. Funeral Service in Andrews, TX: Tuesday, January 31, at 10 am Calvary Baptist Church 901 NE 4th Place, Andrews, TX. Interment: Andrews County Cemetery – North NW Avenue D Herbie was born in Seminole, Texas to parents Jack Dean Bruton and Agnes Darlene (Tucker) Bruton on September 14, 1955. From a young age, he exhibited a heart of compassion of a natural caretaker for family members and friends.
Always industrious, he was just 14 years old in 1969 when he started his first job in the oilfield. He would giddily tell you that he resourcefully secured that job. Herbie, who would graduate from Andrews High School in 1974, earned himself a reputation as much for being the tough hard worker he was as he did for being the class clown and prankster.
Herbie was a natural storyteller with a laugh that was infectious. His self-deprecating humor drew people in, and he never knew a stranger. It was in the math wing of Andrews High School where Herbie would first lay eyes on his high school sweetheart and future wife, Devi (Hamilton) Bruton.
Demonstrating success on his high school football team, particularly as a skilled tackler, Bruton accepted a college football scholarship to play as an offensive lineman for McMurry University in Abilene, TX from 1974 to 1975. He would later complete his education at Odessa Junior College and University of Texas Permian Basin.
His professional career began at Amoco’s Midland Farms Gasoline Plant in 1975. It progressed with increasing responsibility and through promotion to Production Field Manager as the company changed hands from Altura to British Petroleum to Occidental Petroleum, from which he retired in 2017 to enjoy spending more time with his beloved family. Fittingly, he was passionate about operational success and worksite safety.
Always eager to help others, he was a highly revered and winning coach for Little League, then Babe Ruth, teams for over 30 years. His deep work ethic and standard of excellence, which was honed on the field and perfected through his Christian faith, extended to all areas of his life – whether it was his firstplace win in the FLW Co-Angler bass fishing tournament, the mentorship of countless young professionals, or his dedicated work as Sunday School teacher at Calvary Baptist Church in Andrews, Texas.
Herbie is preceded in death by his parents Jack Dean Bruton, of Andrews, Texas, and Agnes Darlene (Tucker) Bruton, of Cincinnati, Ohio. In addition to his parents, previously departed loved ones include his brother Rex Bruton; grandparents Jeff and Marie Bruton and Harry ”Pa” Tucker; aunts Avonda Bruton and Shetheilia Bruton Neal; and father-in-law Elvie Hamilton.
In addition to his wife, Devi, he is survived by their three children. He is survived by son, Daniel Bruton, his wife, Hillary (Dreyer) Bruton, and their children, Matilyn, Charlton, Gibson, Hamilton, and Jameson; daughter, Brittany Myers, her husband, Brad Myers, and their daughter, Katelynn; and daughter Rachel Rushing and her husband, John Rushing. Sisters Netophah Martin and Katurah Kingham; His beloved mother-inlaw, Billie (Mayfield) Hamilton and many loved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Herbie’s lasting wish for family and friends is, “Get right with God, accepting Jesus in your heart, and I’ll see you on the other side.” As a passionate Christian who leaves behind a heritage of servanthood, it is Herbie’s request that, in lieu of flowers, charitable gifts be made to The Life Center, 1412 NE Mustang Dr., Andrews, TX 797143623 (https://thelifecentertx. org).
Condolences may be shared at CallawayJones. com and McNettFuneral-Home.com.
