Lorence Larry Bravenec was born November 13, 1935, in Houston, and left this world on September 19, 2023, at his home in College Station, Texas, a town he loved and served equally well.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly 30 years, whom he met while each of them was teaching at Oxford University: Zora Manka Bravenec (formerly of Bratislava, Slovakia).
Preceding Lorence in death were his parents, John J. Bravenec, Sr. and Florence Mary (Malinak) Bravenec of Houston; and two of his brothers, John J. Bravenec, Jr. of Temple and Benjamin B. Bravenec of Houston; plus many aunts and uncles whom he dearly loved.
He is survived by his three children: two sons and a daughter, John Barton Bravenec of Seattle, Washington, (with his children, William and Elizabeth), Edward (Eddie) L. Bravenec of San Antonio, (and his wife, Kathryn Giglio Bravenec, and their son, Benjamin Bravenec), and Helen Bravenec Cooper of Austin, (and her husband, Robert Cooper, and son, Robert Cooper IV, aka Iver).
He is also survived by his closest friend and youngest brother, Robert Bravenec, and by Robert’s wife, Nelda, of College Station.
Lorence was a lifelong member of SPJST and always proud of his Czech heritage. This was nurtured further by Zora’s family living in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Through their 30 years together they traveled there many times to visit, and they also provided a base for Zora’s family and friends to tour the United States.
Those members of Zora’s family surviving Lorence are her two children: her daughter, Vanda Feriancova with her husband, Dusan Ferianc, their two daughters, Nina Geci Feriancova (and husband, Eric Geci and children, Oskar and Mila Geci), and Malvina Feriancova; and by son, Jergus Vizar (with his wife, Kristina Vizarova, and their children, Victor Vizar and Klara Vizarova).
A life worth living:
Lorence Bravenec graduated from Reagan High School, Houston, in 1953, and then earned a Bachelor of Arts and a law degree from the University of Texas. In 1966 he completed a Master of Law degree from New York University.
In his professional career he worked for a variety of institutions including the United States Department of Justice, the Internal Revenue Service, the University of North Dakota, and the University of Pittsburgh.
From 1971 to 2010 he was the Professor of Accounting at the Texas A&M University Mays School of Business. From that position, he was frequently asked by the U.S. Treasury Department to undertake a variety of investigative studies of possible tax initiatives.
One of his favorite accomplishments was instructing the more than 5,000 students matriculating in the A&M accounting department during his career.
But there was more to Lorence Bravenec than his professional life.
From 1974 to 1980 he was first on the College Station City Council and then served as Mayor. Some of his initiatives as Mayor were starting the city ambulance service, expanding the parks department, and establishing the College Station water department and the electrical service by canceling long time contracts with the City of Bryan.
Lorence was quite knowledgeable about his family’s genealogy and loved to stay in touch with and nurture friendships with his many cousins. He hardly missed a family reunion.
He was well known for his sharp wit and wisdom, and it has been said that “he would comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”
Lorence was a devoted Christian and helped found the Brethren Church of Bryan-College Station. His devotion was complemented by his love of singing, and he was a member of the choir for many years.
Among his diverse interests, the outdoors was where he really enjoyed himself as an avid camper, fisherman, hiker, bull frogger and beekeeper.
When recently asked his favorite thing to do, Lorence quickly responded, “Watch my wife walk across the room.”
He was 87 (almost 88!) and an example for everyone.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Snook Brethren Church.
Interment will follow at Snook Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station.
Arrangements by Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station.