Newton – Herbert “Bus” Ernest Punch, 93 of Newton, NC went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 29, 2022, at his residence surrounded by his family.
Born on May 4, 1929, in Catawba NC, he was the son of the late Clinton Ray and Metta Lucille Summers Punch.
In addition to his parents, Herbert is preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses: Frances Crouse (Jay), Margaret Cuthrell (Gene), Bonnie Simmons (Claude), Thomas Punch (Kathleen); and three nephews: Carl Golden, Tommy Punch, Jr., and Steve Punch.
Those left to cherish his memory include, his wife of 70 years, Marilyn Punch of the home; two children: Lynn Punch Ellis (Tony) and Earnest Ray Punch (Irene); three grandchildren: Angie Spivey (Archie), Brandy Berry Milazzo, Brad Punch (Andrea); and eleven great grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren.
Mr. Punch was a member of Fairgrove United Methodist Church for most of his lifetime. He was a Boy Scout Leader, Methodist Youth Fellowship Leader, and a member of the Board of Trustees at Fairgrove. Later in life, he joined Christ Church in Mt. View where he was a member when he passed. Mr. Punch began upholstering at the age of 15 and continued doing so for 25 years. While upholstering, he also farmed with his dad. At the age of 40, he decided to learn a new career. He was taught by his uncle Thurman Abernathy how to build houses. He loved building houses and selling them to young families so they could afford a house. Until the day he died, he thought about building houses every day. His main hobby was going to Mt. View Barbeque every day and visiting with his friends. One of his greatest passions in life was people. He liked to just sit and talk, pull jokes on people and just listen to stories. Mr. Punch was a very special person with a hard-work ethic, believed in people, and enjoyed helping people. Another of his passions was his family. He loved each of them and was very proud of what each person had accomplished. Mr. Punch will be dearly missed by his family and friends, but we will see him again one day.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Catawba Funeral Home on Sunday, September 4, 2022, at 3 p.m. with Pastor Charles Kyker officiating.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring in Herbert’s name.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Punch family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
