LTC (Ret) Ronald Clifton Bunner

LTC (Ret) Ronald Clifton Bunner of Huntsville, Alabama died peacefully, surrounded by family, at home on November 24th 2023, at the age of 81. Ronald was born on September 4th, 1942 in Chicago Illinois.

Ronald enlisted in the US Army right after high school and was a devout soldier. In August of 1969, he met Mary Louise Bunner and they married on December 6th 1969. They spent 25 years in the service until Ronald retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1984. During his service he served in Korea, Vietnam, spent 12 years in Germany and 3 years in Italy. Ronald was a decorated officer with many commendations, he met Presidents, he led an army missile command unit and for a short bit was even a liaison for the CIA. LTC Ronald C. Bunner lived by his Army values in everything he did “Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Honor, Selfless Service, Integrity, and Personal Courage”. After retirement he worked another 20 plus years in the aerospace industry, primarily for Boeing, where he worked on the Space Station, and then a few more years as a consultant before finally retiring.

Ronald was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by his children: Cheryl Partlow, Peggy Swaim (Steve), Kathy Eason (Ray), Rhonda Moore (Troy), Ronald Bunner Jr (Beth), Steven Bunner. His grandchildren: Maryanne, Heather, Timberly, Justin, Candice, Taylor, Quinn, Sydney, Payton, Veronica, Bryce, Aislynn, his 17 great-grandchildren, and his sister Elizabeth Bunner Papas.

Ronald was preceded in death by his wife Mary Bunner, father Arthur Alton Bunner, his mother Elizabeth Bunner MacLeod, his brother Arthur Theodore Bunner, his grandson Joseph Laughery, and the many others who loved him.

Ronald loved his family with all his heart. He loved his two little dogs. He loved to travel and loved to talk about Europe. He loved good strong coffee, celebrating our birthdays, our successes, holidays and any reason to get together for dinner. His favorite restaurant was 1892 East (which he proudly would share that the chef and owner was his son). Ronald loved all his children and was very proud of each of us. He would tell anyone who would listen, usually much to our embarrassment, about us or our accomplishments. He was proud and spoke often of his grand and great grandkids too. Ronald loved to share stories and talk with us kids. Whether he was talking to us as “dad”, “grand-pa”, or “great grand-pa” he would counsel us to always do our best. If we failed at something he didn’t judge and he would encourage us to try again or try something new.

Ronald loved his wife with all his heart. In their later years, Ron and Mary would take turns taking care of each other. They enjoyed sitting under their favorite blankets with the dogs and got great enjoyment watching the many birds come to the multiple bird feeders outside their window. Ronald and Mary celebrated every anniversary together for 53 years. This year they will celebrate their 54th anniversary together in their new heavenly home.

Ronald will be laid to rest on Saturday December 2nd, 2023 at Valhalla Funeral Home & Memory Gardens, 698 Winchester Rd NE, Huntsville, Alabama 35811. Visitation is from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM CST with his funeral and graveside service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you show sympathy by making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Lustgarten Foundation.

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