John Richard Bunch

John “Rich” Richard Bunch, 90, of Belleville, IL passed away peacefully at his home (which he built 63 years ago) on June 10, 2022. He was born to Francis and Ruth (nee DeClue) Bunch in East St. Louis, IL on January 31, 1932.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 66 years, Jean M. Bunch (nee Reichling); son, Johnny Bunch; grandson, Jonathan Roberts; brothers, Robert and Jerry Bunch; aunt and uncle, Eula and John Thompson; brothers-in-law, Richard Lawrence, Franklin, William, Albert, Jack, Donald and Wayne (Marie) Reichling; sisters-in-law, Jeanette (Rueben “Jitter”) Walden, Dorothy Weishaar, Helen Utz and Margaret Kettler; plus his rescue cat, Miss Whitey.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his daughters, Cheryl Veile and Tammy Roberts; grandchildren, Jody (fiancée Paul Jazwin) Caudle, Alison (Dr. Phillip) Richardson, Tiffany (Tyler) Slaughter, Jeff (Stephanie) Reuss, Mike (Lindsey) Reuss; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Delores Lawrence; brothers-in-law, Wayne Reichling and Jack (Emy) Reichling; sisters-in-law, Allegra and Frances Bunch; daughter-in-law, Connie Bunch; plus many other relatives and friends. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

John was raised by his wonderful aunt and uncle, Eula and John Thompson. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and earned a Purple Heart in the Korean War. After being wounded in the war, he worked various positions at Scott Air Force Base. He was also a partner for Globe Oil service station for five years. John was a lifetime member of the VFW and NRA and joined Masonic Lodge #24 in 1973. He enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking, yard work and spending time with his family and friends on his deck.

Memorials are appreciated to Masonic Lodge #24 or to Family Hospice of Belleville, Illinois.

Per John’s wishes, he will be accorded rites of cremation with no services to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ValhallaGardensandFuneralHome.com for the Bunch family.