Richard Stephen Brumleve

Richard Stephen Brumleve, age 88, of Abingdon, Virginia, died on July 11, 2026, after a long illness. He is survived by his devoted wife Linda (Reed) Brumleve of 35 years. Loving father to Steve Brumleve, Barbara (David) Mittel, and Joe (Jeanna) Brandt. Cherished Opa to Alex Brandt, Jake Brandt, Claire Mittel, and Sydney Mittel.

Richard was born in Mattoon, Illinois, on June 10, 1938, to Edward Leo Brumleve and Lois Waters Brumleve, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his siblings Donald Brumleve and Elizabeth R. Brumleve.

Richard earned English, Theatre, and Theological Studies degrees from Loyola University, Northwestern University, the Viatorian Seminary, and The Catholic University of America. He was a member of the Clerics of St. Viator for 18 years and was active in the priestly ministry for 9 years, until 1973, when he left that ministry to marry. He and his first wife, Mary Anne Hirstein, had two children together. Richard was a teacher at St. Viator High School (Arlington Heights, IL); Spalding Institute (Peoria, IL); and Sacred Heart-Griffin High School and Lincoln Land Community College (Springfield, IL). In addition, he served on the staff of the Illinois Conference of Churches for 10 years. After his retirement, Richard moved to Abingdon, Virginia, where he and Linda were active members of the ElderSpirit community for 19 years.

Richard was very involved in community theater, both acting and directing, before moving to Abingdon. He was an avid golfer and fly fisherman. He also tied flies, was a watercolor artist, and was an amateur photographer. He was a member of the Appalachian Express barbershop chorus. He loved sports, especially his Chicago Cubs, and relished a World Series victory. He loved to tell and hear a good story and to spend time with family and friends playing cards or sharing a meal. He lived positively with Parkinson’s Disease from age 70 and worked to raise awareness of this chronic and progressive disease.

He received exceptional care at home from Zada Cox and Brittany Berry and from the nurses and doctors in the Critical Care Unit at Johnston Memorial Hospital.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church with Pastor Elise Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. prior to the funeral service. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Dr., Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126.