Bruce Dexter

TAMPICO – Bruce Dexter, 61, of Tampico, formerly of Walnut, died Friday, Oct. 10, 2014, at Liberty Village in Princeton.

Bruce was born Dec. 11, 1952, in Rock Falls, the son of Lyle and Lois (Whitlock) Dexter. He was raised in the Sterling-Rock Falls area, where he attended school and married his first wife, Debbie. During their union, they were blessed with two sons, Darren and Michael. As a young adult, Bruce was hired by his uncle, Donald Whitlock, to work at D & W Heating. He taught Bruce the rewards of hard work and dedication. Bruce later met and married who he thought of as the love of his life, Julie A. Franks. They resided in the Walnut-Tampico area. Together, they took great pride in starting their plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business known as B & J Plumbing. Bruce and Julie worked side-by-side during this time. Bruce most of all took a personal interest in doing the best he could for all his customers. He developed many friendships over the years. The most important things to Bruce were family and friends and the simpler things in life. Bruce was always proud of any accomplishments achieved by his brother and sisters. During his last year on this earth, he continued to make new friends and relationships. He and Jim Brackemeyer spent many days together enjoying each other’s company. Bruce always tried to see things from the other person’s perspective and found understanding and acceptance for all. He accepted Christ as his Savior and peacefully joined his family in heaven. Bruce believed that the day we fear as our last is but the birthday of our eternity.

He is survived by his partner and best friend, Julie Dexter; two sons, Darren (Lisa) Dexter and Michael Dexter, both of Dixon; five sisters, Cynthia (James Brackemeyer) Anderson of Princeton, Judith (Jeff) Lukancic of Vancouver, Washington, Jerri Marie (Kevin) Clark of Converse, Texas, Patricia (Tom Sanchez) Dexter of Phoenix, and Catherine (Val Silva) Larson of Sterling; five grandchildren, Tory, Stephen, Kaitlyn, Shawn, and Serena; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Dexter; and one sister, Marjorie Handle.

A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, with the Rev. Brian Moore, pastor of First Christian Church of Walnut, officiating. Garland Funeral Home in Walnut is handling arrangements.

A memorial has been established.

Visit garlandfuneralhome.com to send condolences.