Jul 07, 2025

Brian Thomas Brungardt

Posted Jul 07, 2025 7:29 PM
Brian Thomas Brungardt
Brian Thomas Brungardt

Brian Thomas Brungardt, age 38 of Hays, Kansas passed away at his home on June 18, 2025, in Hays.

He was born June 2, 1987, in Hays to James R. and Michele R. (Morton) Brungardt, the second of their three sons.

In his younger days Brian enjoyed a number of family activities. Visits to each set of grandparents over the holidays took place annually. Summer vacations to Colorado always brought pleasant memories.

Smiles were provided by many rides and activities at the county and state fairs. Brian developed close friendships with a number of school classmates. He was active in Cub and Boy Scouts activities at this time and enjoyed camping out with his fellow scouts. Many weekends during the summer were spent at the family cabin at Cedar Bluff Lake. An annual family activity was "June Birthdays" - Brian and his brother Neil and three of his six cousins all had birthdays in June. Along with the great food that mom provided, great times were had on the boat riding on a tube and fishing with advice given from his older brother Neil. Brian's biggest catch was when he hooked dad's ear up by the dam. He enjoyed golf cart and jet ski rides - first as a passenger and by himself later when he was older.

Brian graduated from Hays High in 2006 and from Fort Hays State University in 2013, with a degree in history. During these years he gained valuable experience from his work at Carlos O'Kelly's, Humane Society of the High Plains, Adronics/Elrob, Hays Daily News, Quizno's and Pepsi. Another milestone in Brian's life that had a positive impact on him was his trip to Spain with two friends that involved walking a portion of the Camino de Santiago over several days with the destination being the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.

He had a passion for history and often visited museums when traveling. This interest started at an early age - as a kid he was crazy about dinosaurs. He knew of so many species and could identify them by the mounted skeletons. He expanded his interest in museums to include virtually every item on display.

Many of Brian's family travels were not complete without a zoo stop. It didn't matter what size the zoo was — he was ready to go.

Music had a special place in Brian's interests. He played an instrument in the middle school band as well as trying his hand at playing guitar in his free time at home. Like so many of his friends, Brian had quite a collection of games, CD's and DVD’s. Many songs and videos were sent to family and friends.

Brian enjoyed concerts and even attended (Heaven forbid) a number of classic rock concerts with his parents. By far his greatest enjoyment was going to concerts of groups popular with him and his friends. His younger brother Brett went with him frequently - a favorite for them was the annual Mayhem Festival.

Sports and food were also favorites with Brian. He got a lot of enjoyment attending the Wichita Thunder hockey games as well as an occasional baseball game with the family in Oklahoma City. Golf his way was with a frisbee. Brian was game to try about any kind of food set in front of him. You never knew what kind of unique combinations he would create. It was usually made spicy hot from his condiment collection. He did find out that you don't use sriracha sauce like ketchup.

Brian was witty and articulate with a great sense of humor. Sometimes this talent was not understood by some but overall most people got it. He loved his cat, Kittyoko, that he inherited from a friend. She was such a beautiful cat with quite the attitude. She probably only cared for two people in her lifetime and Brian was one of them.

He is survived by his parents, James and Michele Brungardt of Hays and his brothers Neil of Beverly, KS and Brett of Oklahoma City. Aunts and uncles Tom and Judy Brungardt of Pratt, KS, Allen Brungardt of Colorado Springs, Craig Morton of Atwood, KS and Mike and Carla Starns of Independence, KS.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Tom and Maud Brungardt Sr, Edward and Marge Morton and an aunt, Barbara Morton.

Brian loved deeply and was deeply loved. He will be missed.

A celebration of Brian's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, with a memorial visitation starting at 10:00 AM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, located at 2509 Vine St in Hays.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK), Hays, KS or Community Assistance Center, Hays, KS in care of the funeral chapel.