Maurice Eugene "Buzzy" Brunot

Maurice Eugene “Buzzy” Brunot, 91, of Lake Charles passed away at 4:52 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2025 in a Deridder hospital.

Mr. Brunot was born on September 19, 1933 in Wilburton, OK and moved to Lake Charles at an early age where he attended Lake Charles High School. Mr. Brunot went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After his service, he dedicated over 30 years to the United States Department of Agriculture, retiring as a highly respected grain inspector.

An active and passionate member of the Lake Charles Rotary Club, he received numerous honors during his tenure, including being named Rotarian of the Year and receiving the distinguished Paul Harris Fellow Award.

Athletically inclined from a young age, Mr. Brunot developed a deep love for fast pitch softball. In the 1960s and 1970s, he competed at the highest level, participating in four world tournaments. His contributions to the sport earned him a place in the Louisiana Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. After retiring from competition, he shared his knowledge by giving private pitching lessons and working with the McNeese State University women’s fast pitch softball team.

He was also a gifted artist. Twelve of his paintings were selected to represent each month in a Lake Charles city calendar—an honor that reflected both his creativity and his deep connection to his hometown. Twice named a KPLC Hometown Hero, he was the city of Lake Charles’ biggest fan and enjoyed celebrating it any way he could.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 66 years, Peggy Manino Brunot; children, Kenneth “Ken” Brunot (Claudia) and Connie Brunot; sisters, Joyce Cagle and Barbara “Bobbie” O’Neal (Michael); and one beloved granddaughter, Haley Galloway (Micah).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Gladys Brunot.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, September 12, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel. Rev. Steve Shirley will officiate. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until the start of the service.