Robert A. Bunton, Major, USAF (Retired)

May 29, 1932 – October 13, 2004

SHREVEPORT, LA – A memorial Service celebrating the life of Robert A. Bunton will be held at 2:30 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2004, at Rose Neath’s Marshall Street Chapel, 1815 Marshall Street, Shreveport, LA.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home preceding the memorial service beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Mr. Bunton passed away on October 13, 2004, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born on May 29, 1932, in Woburn, MA to Anna and Charles Bunton.  Hew was preceded in death by his parents and by his daughter, Shauna Bunton Battey.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Betty S. Bunton; sister, Jacquelyn Ruttle of Waverly, NY; two brothers, James Bunton of Pembroke, MA, and Leonard Bunton of North Ansen, ME. as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Bunton had an incredible love for aviation having served as a Command Pilot with the United States Air Force for 20 years. During his Air Force career, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his bravery in conducting rescue operations while flying helicopters in Vietnam.  His career in aviation started at the age of 13 when he worked in vegetable fields to obtain money for flying lessons. His passion continued when he and his wife bought an airplane to tour the country while on their honeymoon.  Following his career in the Air Force he served with Melton Truck Lines of Shreveport as their corporate pilot for over 15 years.  His love of aviation was obvious to all who knew him, and he leaves a lasting legacy as an institution on the Downtown Airport where he could be found on a daily basis.  He was a member of Quiet Birdman as well as the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association.  He was also awarded the Wright Brother’s Golden Eagle Award for his dedicated pilot service of over 50 years.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Michael Moore, Dr. Ronald Alsup, Willis Knighton Hospice of Louisiana, caregivers Cheri Hinkle, Karla Simonds and Susan Stephens for their loving care, and to Mr. Bunton’s many friends for their kindness and faithfulness during his illness.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Marshall St. Chapel, 222-0348.

Major Bunton served as a HH-43F helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War with Det. 9, 38^th ARRS in the 1968 time frame.