Melbourne Cornelius Bunting

Melbourne “Barney” Cornelius Bunting, age 94, passed away on Wednesday August 17, 2016 at the Horizon Senior Living in West Branch, MI. He had lived in West Branch since 1948, formerly of Black, IL. Barney was born to John and Alta (Bond) Bunting in Edwards Co., IL on September 21, 1921. On February 3, 1946 he married Ruth Rose in Black, IL. He was a member of the Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church where he served on the church board and was an usher. Barney was in the United States Army serving during World War II in Azio, Italy in the 5th Army Special Forces. He was an excavator and owned Bunting Excavating and Bunting Sand & Gravel with Snuffy and Mark.

Barney is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Ruth Bunting of West Branch, MI; children, Butch (Janet) Bunting of Parma, MI and Barry (Ida nee Stillwagon) Bunting of Fletcher, NC; grandchildren, Kathlene, Kari, Kasey, Katie, Kelli, and Shari; great grandchildren, Cody, Brittany, Josh, Darci, Dena, Alexis, Makiala, Mariah, Marissa, Mike, Chad, Skie, Mickeala, Emma, Laura, and Eagen; great great grandchildren, Nova, Mason, Theodore, Beau, and Ryder; brother, Richard Bunting of Fenton, MI; sister, Virginia Dunge of Albion, IL; and sisters in law, Naomi Bunting of West Branch, MI and Isabell Bunting of Holly, MI. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sibling, Nile “Snuffy”, Mark, Ed, Clyde, John, Cleda, Leno, Esther, Sadie, and Anne.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at Edwards Township Cemetery in West Branch, MI on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial Contributions can be made to West Branch Little League.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com