Lee Edward Bunting

Lee E. Bunting, 87, of La Junta, passed away April 21, 2018 at the Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center. He was born to Albert Edward & Lenora (Cramer) Bunting. He married Virginia L. Stilwell on June 29, 1967 in Las Vegas, NV; she preceded him in death on April 13, 1999.

They moved to La Junta in 1968 from Norwalk, California. He started working at the Santa Fe Railroad shortly after and retired in 1998. Dad loved his job and the people he worked with. He loved spending time with his family and friends. “He never met a stranger." His family was everything to him. Everyone was excited to hear his stories. He would light up the room with his love. Traveling to see family or talking Railroad or Rodeos was his favorite pass time. He was a member of the Church of Christ and the La Junta Elks Lodge.

Dad was one tall, loving, good, looking "Cowboy". He never had a hard time bragging about his family, as he felt everyone was family. Moments after meeting a new friend he could tell you their age, occupation and where they lived. Lee was a great example to his family, leaving a great impact on everyone whoever met him. He will truly be missed by everyone.

He is survived by his daughter, Nora Lee (Dave) Thorpe of Herriman, Utah; grandchildren, Sherry (Gary) Martinez, David Lee Thorpe, Justin (Jennifer) Thorpe and Kenneth "Casey" (Adrian) Thorpe; thirteen great-grandchildren and three great, great-grandchildren of Salt Lake City, Utah; his son, James Edward (Linda) Bunting of Fountain, CO; grandchildren, Melissa (Jason) Serna, Heather (Tony) Smalley and Mathew Edward Bunting; six grandchildren all of Fountain, CO; step daughter-in-law, Sue Christian; step children, Dean Christian, Don Stewart, Marvin Eddings and Randy Eddings; grandchildren, Carl (Reeny) Dryer of Westcliff; Mitchell Christian of California; Randy (Ariel) Eddings of Las Animas; Shaina (Jesse) Cebulski and Kyrsten Eddings both of La Junta; seven great-grandchildren. Siblings, Charlotte (Johnny) Lanzarotti of Fort Worth, TX and Archie (Norma Jean) Bunting of Pueblo, CO; sister-in-law, Thelma Bunting of La Junta, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Stilwell Bunting of 32 years, parents, brothers, Dave Rathbun of Oregon and Lloyd Ewert Bunting of La Junta and three infant children; step-children, Lee Christian, Barbara Dryer.

Special thanks to Dr. Richard Shand and the medical staff at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center for the tender care they gave dad.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 26, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be Friday, April 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church of Christ with Reverend Terry Smalling officiating.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Shriners Hospital (https://donate.lovetotherescue.org) direct or through the funeral home.