Bruce Pafume

Bruce Barrett Pafume, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas, with family at his side. Born on November 4, 1949, in Oak Park, Illinois, Bruce lived a life marked by dedicated service, both in his professional career and as a loving family man.

Bruce obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Bradley University. It was a transformative time in the field as students still employed slide rules as they designed and built computer prototypes. His degree and academic interests laid the foundation for his rewarding career with Boeing Military and Boeing Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas. Bruce was noted for fostering teamwork and successfully facilitating cross-departmental collaboration. Bruce’s contributions to integrated logistical support and to publications exemplified his commitment to excellence and innovation in the aerospace industry.

From his boyhood on, Bruce displayed love of country, interest in the military, and a commitment to serve our nation. Following his graduation from Bradley, Bruce served on active duty in the USAF as an electronic warfare officer with the 2nd Bomb Squadron. After leaving active duty, Bruce transitioned to the USAF Reserves as an intelligence analyst, proudly serving in that capacity until his military retirement.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Velma Pafume. His survivors include his devoted wife, Joanne Pafume, his children Aimee (Joe) Hardin, Mark (Stephanie) Pafume, Allison Pafume Grana, and James (Jocelyn) Pafume. Bruce was a proud grandfather to Hudson, Drew, Brooks, Hannah, Oliver, Vincent, Anthony, and Brennan. Bruce is also survived by his sisters Barbara Pafume and Betty Wilmoth, and a loving extended family of nieces and nephew.

Family was always at the core of Bruce’s happiness. He cherished the moments spent with his loved ones, finding his greatest joy in their company. Bruce relished his role as grandfather - playing the “cookie monster”, enjoying the grandkids’ Ghostbuster antics, trying to engage them in physics-based conversations, sharing bad puns, and collaborating with them to finagle more chocolate milkshakes.

 Throughout his life, Bruce was noted for his equanimity, calm, and kindness in all circumstances. This was especially demonstrated in recent years following Bruce’s diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease as he diligently strove to meet his physical challenges with grace, perseverance, and his trademark smile and dry humor. 

Friends and family are invited to honor and remember Bruce at a memorial service that will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, 1 p.m., at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Wichita, Kansas, with reception to follow. A live stream of the service will be available at eastminster.org/live

Bruce Barrett Pafume will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His unwavering spirit, dedication to family, and commitment to service will leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of many.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances be made as contributions to:

Club Parkinson's
PO Box 771269
Wichita, KS 67227
clubparkinsons.org
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Eastminster Presbyterian Church
1958 N. Webb Rd
Wichita, KS 67206
eastminster.org/give/