Damian Jason Bruns, age 18, of Kaiser Road, Versailles, passed away early Friday morning, May 17, 2024, at the Miami Valley Hospital ER in Dayton, Ohio; succumbing to injuries of an accident that occurred late Thursday evening.

He was born January 6, 2006, in Sidney, Ohio, to Jason & Jennifer (Hoelscher) Bruns who survive at home. Also surviving are two siblings, Bret and Chloe Bruns; grandparents, Kathleen (Kuether) Hoelscher of Yorkshire and Anthony Bruns of Versailles; aunts & uncles: Stacie & Randy Bergman of Maria Stein; Steve & Aimee Hoelscher of Yorkshire; O.J. & Amy Mills of Versailles; David & Tiffany Hoelscher of Maria Stein; and Beth & Mike Publicover of Lancaster; along with numerous cousins, extended family and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Victor Hoelscher and grandmother Joyce (Brunswick) Bruns.

Mr. Bruns attended Fort Loramie Schools, received his credentials, and was about to participate in commencement ceremonies with the Fort Loramie High School graduating class of 2024. He enjoyed learning and cheerfully interacting with students and faculty. He had also been active in several academic and athletic programs that included football, track, The Outdoor Club and FFA his freshman and sophomore year. Damian was looking forward to attending the University of Cincinnati where he was going to major in finance.

Whenever possible, Damian enjoyed spending time outdoors. He loved camping with his family, fishing, riding dirt bikes, hanging out with friends and cousins, and hunting excursions with his brother, Bret. He always had a bright ornery smile, zest for life, loved taking naps and picking on his sister, Chloe, that he so loved and protected. He was a talented athlete that loved his team, coaches and the sport. From a young age on, he loved people and was a loyal and fun friend to many. He knew how to push his parents' buttons but always warmed it over with a hug or a laugh. Damian was such a tall handsome young man that looked absolutely stunning when he dressed up but preferred to wear a t-shirt and shorts, so please come and pay your respects as you want.

Damian and his family were members of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Osgood. Additionally, he attended CCD and received the sacrament of Confirmation along with his school classmates at St. Michael Parish in Fort Loramie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Jarred Kohn and Deacon Paul Timmerman presiding. Interment will follow at St. Martin Cemetery in Osgood.

Family and friends may call Wednesday 3 to 7 p.m. and Thursday 9 to 10 a.m. at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.

Memorials may be made to charities of choice.

Private condolences may be expressed at gehretfuneralhome.com.