Bruce Allan Broadwater

Bruce Allan Broadwater, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026, at the age of 88. Bruce was born on September 1, 1938, in Columbus, Ohio, to Karl McGee Broadwater and Bernadine Ethel Smith. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Broadwater family, moved to Southern California to support the war effort. Karl worked in a steel mill making cannons for the Navy. Their family lived in various locations throughout LA County, California, never staying in one place too long. Bruce told many amazing stories (with some embellishments thrown in for good measure) about him and his two brothers and their time of living in Los Angeles. While working as a foreman for McDonald Douglas Aircraft, Bruce met Peggy Bowers. She was not that interested in him but he never gave up. Bruce was Peggy’s supervisor and she didn’t think dating her supervisor was a good look for her. We all know what a smooth talker Bruce was and, eventually, he talked her into going on a date with him. Peggy fell head over heels for him. Marriage was brought up, and shot down, several times but the smooth talker finally got Peggy to finally agree. Even though Peggy’s mom tried to talk her out of marrying Bruce many times, they were married on June 5, 1971. Bruce and Peggy shared over 54 amazing years of marriage. Bruce is preceded in death by both of his parents, Karl and Bernie, as well as his two brothers, Phil and Lysle. He is survived by his children, Josh (wife Jenn), and Jeremy, as well as his four grandchildren Preston, Lexi, JJ, and Koda. Bruce’s life was devoted to serving his family and others. He served his country in the United States Army. He served the community of Garden Grove as a city councilman and as the mayor for almost two decades. Bruce worked for the State of California Labor Standards Division and loved the work he did. It gave him the opportunity to continue serving others by fighting, and usually winning, for the underdog. Bruce’s love for his fellow man was constantly on display throughout his entire life. While Bruce’s presence will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the faith he lived, and the service he gave will continue to bless the lives of those who knew him and others who never got the chance. When Peggy passed just about 4 months ago, it left a huge void in Bruce’s heart. He greatly missed his eternal companion and longed to be with her again. Bruce knew that through God's plan and the promise of eternal families, he and Peggy will be together once again. Bruce will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California, 92518 In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by doing something kind for a veteran, helping someone in need, or spending time with someone you love.