Leroy E. (Bud) Bruce, of Sidney, Nebraska, died Thursday, July 2, 2009, at the Sunset Manor Nursing Home in Brush, Colorado from complicaitons of Parkinsons's Disease. Leroy was born in Blair, Nebraska, on March 11, 1927, to John T. & Blanche Barton Bruce. After graduating from Waterloo High School, Leroy enlisted in the US Army in 1945. He served as sergeant in the 796th Military Police Battalion. While posted in Germany and Austria, he was awarded the Victory in Europe medal and the Army of Occupation Germany medal. Using his GI bill, Leroy attended, and graduated from Nebraska State Teachers College in Wayne, Nebraska, with a Bachelor of Science degree and letters in basketball. While attending college, he met coed Laura Bensen and they were married on his graduations day of May 26, 1950. Leroy taught science classes in the junior and senior high school and was a prinicipal. He taught in the Nebraska communities of Crofton, Craig, Dodge, and Sidney. He coached state championship golf and basketball teams as well as track and football. In 1978 he eared a Specialist Degree in Education from Chadron State College. He was superintendent at Hyannis Schools for 14 years, retiring in 1991. Leroy was an avid sportsman, golfer, master angler, trap shooter, and pioot. He was a member of the American Legion for over 60 years, and a lifetime member of the Elks Club. He enjoyed carving duck decoys and dwing quilts. H was a prize winning artist with the Sidney Art Guild. He attended Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Sidney. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Laura; ;three children, Steven R. Bruce (Myra Brannen) of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Thomas I. Bruce (Barbara), of Montrose, CO, and Juli9a J. Bruce (James Theiss) of Berwick, Maine; 2 brothers Jim and Ted; 3 sisters, Frnces, Velma, and Cora, his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, John, and infant twin brothers, Leland and Laland. The family will be holding a private memorial service at Chimney Rock Monument overlooking the North Platte River.