Donald Dallas Bruce

Donald was born on November 22, 1935 in Harlingen, Texas. He passed away peacefully on Sunday August 25th 2013, at the age of 77. Don was the first of four children born to Marile and Lovina Bruce. Dons large extended family which consisted of many Aunts and Uncles and Grandparents soon migrated to California with hopes to escape the Dust bowl of Texas and Oklahoma. Don was educated in the Visalia school system and was in the last graduating class of Visalia Union High School, Class of 1954. The next year his high school became what now is Mt. Whitney and the new high school was Redwood. In 1955 Don, along with 18 others from Visalia, entered the Army. All 18 pretty much stayed together ending up at Fort Benning, Ga., while Don spent Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. After Basic Training, the rest of his enlistment in the Army was spent in Germany. Upon returning to the States, he was undecided as to what his career path might be, so in the fall of 1958, he entered Fayes Beauty College in Fresno. It was here that he met Cynthia Dillon, another classmate that he started dating. They graduated together and both took and passed their State Boards for Cosmetology. Having his Cosmetology license was something he was so proud of, even though he never worked a day in his life as a cosmetologist. Soon after Beauty College, he bought his own Truck and began his life of hauling rock, sand and asphalt that built many of the roads in the San Joaquin Valley. In 1960, Don married Cynthia, and in 1962 their son David was born. Then in 1964 Don was able to find a more stable trucking opportunity with Hannah Trucking of Ivanhoe. At this point, Don and his family moved from Fresno to Visalia. Soon Don was being requested on jobs by contractors because of his truck driving skills. Don was an easy target to spot with his beloved Red Diamond T Reo and Red Transfers. Don spent 44 years as a truck driver and loved every minute of it. Don was also an avid sportsman, enjoying both hunting and fishing. Don also was very involved with Visalia National Little League while David was playing. He and Cynthia traveled to Davids baseball and football games throughout his playing days. Don and Cynthia also loved to travel with family and friends in their travel trailer. When August rolled around, they would be off to Reno to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Don was preceded in death by his parents. Don is survived by his son David Bruce (Kristi) of Visalia, grandson John Bruce of Visalia, sisters Glenda Scharton of Visalia and Terri Beargeon-Doyel of Highlands Ranch, Co., brother Michael Bruce (Kathi) of Visalia, sisters-in-law Charlotte Taylor of Pensacola, Fl. And Joan Madouse (Richard) of Coronado, Ca. Don also had many nieces and nephews that he enjoyed watching grow into fine young people. The Family would like to thank all the exceptional caregivers of the Veterans Hospital in Fresno, with special thanks going out to the Doctors and Nurses of the Community Living Center also part of the Veterans Hospital in Fresno. A Celebration of Donalds life will take place on Sunday September 8, 2013 at 1:00pm at the Veterans Memorial Building 609 W. Center Street in Visalia. All are welcome to come and remember Don. A dessert reception will immediately follow. Don so enjoyed a good dessert, if you are so inclined, please feel free to bring a favorite dessert to share.