July 10, 2009

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Friday, July 10, 2009) – Charlie Brune, 88, a charter member and former president of the Southeast Missouri State University Athletic Booster Club, passed away at Southeast Missouri State Hospital on Friday, July 10. Brune was one of the founders of the Booster Club in 1953.

In 2006, Brune was inducted into the Southeast Missouri State Hall of Fame for his contributions as a lifetime booster and his efforts in raising support for the Southeast athletic programs.

Brune joined several Cape Girardeau business leaders to establish the SEMO Booster Club in 1953. He served as Booster Club President from 1976-1982

Brune played football at Southeast in 1940 and 1941 under Southeast Hall of Fame coach Abe Stuber. He had two sons, Greg and Lance, and three grandsons, Brent, Brian and Bobby who all played football at Southeast.

Following the 1941 football season, Brune volunteered and enlisted in the Navy during World War II. He was among a number of Southeast students who joined the Navy and became fighter pilots during that time. Those individuals were known as the “Flying Indians” throughout the community.

His son, Greg, is the Director of Athletic Development at Southeast and his grandson, Bobby, is the Coordinator of Athletic Marketing and Promotions at Southeast.

Visitation for Brune will be at Ford & Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13. The funeral services will start at 2:00 p.m. on Monday at Ford & Sons Funeral Home with the burial at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery immediately afterwards.