Merritt Brunies

Merritt A. Brunies, age 95, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at his home in Covington, LA, surrounded by his immediate family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Elaine Gollotte Brunies; and his parents, Merritt J. and Alma Brunies.
He is survived by his sons, Don Brunies (Carol), Dean Brunies (Valerie), and Dane Brunies (Lisa); his daughters, Cynthia Rogers (Richard), Regina Dottolo, and Madonna Deist (Ricky); his brother, Raymond Brunies; his sisters-in-law, Gwen Gollotte and Beverly Williams; fourteen (14) grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Merritt, known as "Blue," was born June 4, 1923 in San Francisco, CA and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  He attended Biloxi High School where he was captain of the band, student conductor, and organized and conducted a Big Swing Band. He attended Louisiana State University on a music scholarship and played lead trumpet in the band. Merritt joined the US Merchant Marine Academy and served as a Marine Engineer and Staff Officer during WWII.
He retired from the U.S. Customs Service in 1990 as Special Assistant to the Chief Inspector after completing more than forty years of service.
Born into a musical family, Merritt had a great love for "Big Band Swing" and "The Golden Era." He worked with many remarkable musicians. He was instrumental in promoting his passion of music throughout the Gulf Coast region.
He was a gentle and thoughtful devout Catholic who valued his family and friends.  Merritt will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at 11:30 AM, at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cathedral, Biloxi. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 AM until Mass.  Burial with military honors will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, is serving the family.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com