Donald Augusta Brunson

May 1, 1939, Donald and Edna Brunson celebrated the birth of their son, Donald Augusta Brunson Jr. in Santa Monica, California. Donald Jr. was affectionately called Donnie by family and many friends. Eight years later the family welcomed Donnie’s sister, Leana, into their happy home. Donnie and his family faithfully attended AME by the Sea in Santa Monica where Donnie and his sister participated in all the church youth activities and Donnie was a member of the church sponsored Boy Scout Troop whose Scout Leader was, his father.

In the winter of 1957, Donnie graduated from Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI). After high school he attended Santa Monica Community College while working in the grocery business. In the late 1960s, he joined the Del Monte Foods Company as a sales representative. In 1971, Donnie moved on to employment at the Xerox Corporation, initially as a sales associate. He remained with Xerox until the year 2000, accepting a variety of responsibilities in several management positions. While working at Xerox, Donnie earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Pepperdine University.

In addition to beginning his employment with Xerox in 1971, Donnie married Diane Shallenberger in the fall of that year and purchased a home for them in the Mid-Wilshire area of Los Angeles. A couple years later, Donnie and Dianne moved to Baldwin Hills where they lived for 22 years and Donnie transferred his church membership to First AME Los Angeles. In 1976, Donnie and Diane happily brought their son, Demetrius, into the world and three years later, in 1979, they expanded their family with the birth of their daughter, DeAna. He encouraged his children to do well in school and work hard to succeed in their extra-curricular endeavors setting an example with his own hard work ethic in the business world and by acquiring properties and apartments. The family moved to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in 1995, where Donnie resided until the time of his passing.

Donnie liked traveling throughout the United States and other countries. He visited Europe numerous times especially enjoying Spain, France and Greece. Often the family traveled to the Caribbean, Latin America and Canada. Cousin Herman and Donnie enjoyed reminiscing on the phone about humorous incidences that happened on vacations together in Canada. Donnie liked talking about his visits to Tahiti and the surrounding islands fondly remembering a cruise through that area with his relatives, Thomas and Mary.

Above all, Donnie was a family man. He deeply loved his wife, his children, his sister and her family and all his extended family members. The light of his life were his three grandchildren. If he had to choose one title in life that made him happiest, it would be the title of “Grandpa”.

Donnie is survived by: His wife, Diane Brunson; Son, Demetrius Charles Brunson (daughter-in-law, Gemmalyn); Daughter, DeAna Lynn Brunson Upshaw (son-in-law, Jermaine); Grandchildren, Jaden Charles Upshaw (8), Zoe Leyane Upshaw (8), Maxine Lyn Brunson (2); Sister, Leana McClain (brother-in-law, Gene); Niece, Maryellen Verdoes (niece’s husband, Brum); Brother-in-law, Dennis Shallenberger; Nephew, David Shallenberger (nephew’s wife, Punam); and numerous cousins.
Donnie is preceded in death by: His Father, Donald Augusta Brunson Sr. and Mother, Edna Wilkins Brunson