Lloyd Brent Carruth was born in Pampa, Texas, on Dec. 16, 1933, and passed away peacefully in Austin on Thursday, June 16, 2022, as family and friends never left his side in his time of need. He lived a rich and full 88 years, leaving his stamp on this physical earth.
Brent grew up in Pampa, Texas as the son of Sallie and Gus Carruth. He was extremely proud of his roots and the fact that he was raised on a farm. He was a member of the FFA and raised two Grand Champion Hereford steers. He loved telling stories about his childhood and would often remind us that he walked to school in the snow and watched tumbleweeds blow through the town. His stories always brought a smile to all who listened.
Brent graduated from The University of Texas in 1957 with a Petroleum Engineering degree. He was a proud Longhorn enthusiast, often sporting burnt orange attire. He was always the first to throw up his hand with a strong Hook’em! Upon graduation, Brent served as an Engineering Officer in the US Navy stationed aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Bon Homme Richard. Brent later worked for several Texas oil and gas companies, including Pan American Petroleum Corp, Texas Pacific Oil Company, and finally Maynard Oil, where he retired as Vice President in 2002. A highlight of his career was a promotion at age 37 to Engineering Manager of Texas Pacific Oil Company, which at the time was the fifth largest independent oil company in the country. During his time in the oil business, he made lifelong friendships which he deeply valued.
Brent met the love of his life, Donna, and married her in 1982 along with her three young children, Cari, Kyle, and Brad. He supported Donna’s dreams in every way, including her dream to run a store. You could often find Brent working on a Saturday afternoon behind the counter of Joy’s Hallmark. Customers couldn’t resist his big smile and Texas charm, and Brent considered everyone who worked at Joy’s Hallmark as family. Brent and Donna lived in the Prairie Creek community for over 35 years and were actively involved in the First United Methodist Church of Richardson where Brent served on outreach committees and sang in the choir.
He loved spending time with family, and especially enjoyed time with his five grandchildren who lovingly called him “Boompa.” Holidays were particularly fun with Boompa around. At Christmas time, he wore a silly Santa hat that moved and jingled as he interviewed and recorded everyone sharing the gifts they received. When it came to keeping cousins connected, he and Donna would organize camp “Nannie and Boompa” at their home, take the family to Florida, and host fun weekends in Weatherford. Over the past few years, Boompa made every effort to take his grandchildren to lunch and dinner in both Waco and Austin. As you might guess, the Austin location was always Longhorn Steakhouse. All priceless memories.
Brent had dear friends who were close to his heart. He would often speak about his friends of many decades, some 50 years or more. Those who knew Brent best appreciated his dry humor and honesty. He had great one-liners, and you never left a conversation without a smile. In his later years, Brent loved his time at The Village at the Triangle where he quickly integrated from Richardson not knowing many people, to eventually making a home with friends in Austin. He was blessed to meet a special friend, Roslyn (Roz) Robson, who he cared for and who was there for him in the final months of his life. He was also fortunate to make wonderful friends who enjoyed getting together frequently. He was known for his wheels (driver of many Village residents to adventures and activities), card playing, kindness, and amazing sense of humor. He would often join his friends to take a drive to the Texas Hill Country in search of peaches as well as to Buc-ee’s for their famous fudge. Everyone knew Brent had a sweet tooth.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sallie and Gus Carruth; wife, Donna Carruth; son, Kyle Ogle; brother-in-law, Clint Caylor; and his mother and father-in-law, Florence and Al Rohning.
Brent is survived by his sister, Gerry Caylor; daughter, Cari Ezell and son-in law, Monte Ezell; son, Brad Ogle; daughter-in-law, Darla Ogle and husband, Tom Losee III; five grandchildren, Will Ezell, Wyatt Ezell, Weston Ezell, Katherine Ogle, Turner Ogle and wife, Kenzie Ogle; nephew, Scott Grayson and son, Gavin Green.
We would like to thank The Heart Hospital of Austin for the love and care they showed to Brent and our family. The nurses were so caring during his final hours. We would also like to thank Spring Hills Home Care and Halcyon Home for taking care of Brent over the past months and his friends and staff at The Village at The Triangle for giving him the opportunity to enjoy his life in Austin after Donna passed away.
From the grandchildren: Boompa, thank you for always making us laugh. We miss you and your funny faces, stories, jokes, and songs!
- W, W, W, T & K.
Celebration of Life: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2022, in Greenwood Chapel with a burial to follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, 3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, Texas.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
