Bud Bunch

(Nov. 13, 2004)

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Miratsky-Easton Funeral Home for James Dwight (Bud) Bunch, 79, who died Saturday, Nov. 13 at his home, surrounded by his children.

He was born in Duncan, Okla., on July 25, 1925, son of Luther and Mary (Hauber) Bunch. He was raised there and graduated from Duncan High School in 1943. He had one brother, Billy.

Immediately upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy in June of 1943 and was assigned to the USS Hopewell DD681 destroyer, serving in World War II in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged with honors in 1946.

He married Marie Heflin in August of 1950 in Reno, Nev. They moved to Powell to make their home. The couple was blessed with two sons, James (Jimmy) and William (Bill), and one daughter, Shelby Jean.

On Aug. 30, 1970, he married Cheryl Burch in Las Vegas, Nev. They also made their home in Powell with a daughter, Sherina.

He worked at the Amoco plant in Elk Basin for 30 years and retired in 1980. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Elks and Disabled American Veterans. His name is on the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

He enjoyed time on the North Fork of the Shoshone River in his motor home each summer with his little dog, Missy. He met many of his best friends, camping in the mountains. He loved to hunt, fish and spend time outdoors, camping and gardening. He built a special room in his home to display his trophies and photographs.

Survivors include three children, Bill (Debbie) Bunch of Jackson, Jim Bunch of Jackson, and Sherina (Shawn) Eissler of Billings, Mont.; five grandchildren, Brandi (Matthew) Dombrovski, Tyson (Sarah) Bunch, Levi and Casey Coffey and Garrett Eissler; and four beautiful great-granddaughters, Kaitlyn, Grace, Abigail and Sophia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Billy; his spouses, Marie and Cheryl; and his daughter, Shelby Jean.

Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery, Powell, with military rites by the Powell Veterans Honor Guard. Viewing will be from 1 to 5 p.m. today (Tuesday) and for one hour prior to services.

For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Powell Valley Hospice, 777 Avenue H, Powell, WY 82435.

The family wishes to say, "We will miss you and love you, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa."