Joshua J. 'Cody' Brunner

Joshua James "Cody" Brunner, 21, Warrensburg, Mo., passed away Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, in a bull riding accident.

Cody was born September 26, 1986, in Independence, Mo., the son of Chris L. and Bridget S. (Schooley) Brunner. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 2005. He worked for Shippy Custom Homes. He was a member of the National Federation of Professional Bullriders, the United Rodeo Association and the Missouri Rodeo Cowboy Association. Cody was an avid bull rider, fisherman and hunter. He was preceded in death by Grandpa Daniel Schooley, Great-aunt Susie Macan, a cousin, Bob Bonjour, and Grandma Arline Earley.

 

His survivors include his mother, Bridget Brunner and companion, Donny Wooldridge, of Independence; his father, Chris Brunner and companion, Julia Simons, of Blue Springs, Mo.; one brother, Jeb Brunner, and three sisters, Rachael Brunner, Megan Brunner and Christina Brunner, all of Independence; two nieces, Victoria Bolten and Dannielyn Brunner, both of Independence, and a niece, Ada Mae, due in January; his grandma, Pat Schooley of Colorado Springs, Colo.; his grandfather, Jim Earley of Blue Springs; his Great-grandma Kauffman of Colorado Springs; Cody's companion, Jessica Woodmansee of Warrensburg; and Ruby, his four-legged friend and traveling partner; and numerous aunts and uncles, extended family and his rodeo family.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 9, at New Salem Funeral Home, Independence. Burial will be New Salem Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, with family suggests contributions to defray funeral expenses. Arrangements are under the direction of New Salem Funeral Home & Cemetery, 816-796-8600.