Robert Bunn

Opening day of duck season, Oct. 9, 1937, marked the unexpected early arrival of 3.5-pound Robert Bunn, son of Charles and Dorothy (Keagy) Bunn of Clarion. His birth date was an omen for Bob’s life-time love of hunting, as he cherished the time spent with his sons in the fields each hunting season in PURSUIT of ducks, pheasants, geese and deer.

While in high school, Bob participated in several sports as a Clarion Cowboy (and by chance, a bit of tomfoolery) and graduated in 1955. Sports continued to be an overriding part of his life, as he played football with Special Forces while stationed in Germany, and while attending Upper Iowa University as a player and later as a coach. After graduation, Bob coached/taught at Elk Horn-Kimballton, South Hamilton of Jewell, Waterloo Columbus and Woden-Crystal Lake high schools. He also spent several years as a sporting goods salesman and later widened his ever-growing circle of friends as a van driver for the AEA 267. He was involved with Little League Baseball for 31 years, including 12 years on the Board of Directors in Clear Lake. His 50-year award from the Cyrene Masonic Lodge of Clarion was also important to him. In later years, Bob returned to the classrooms of CLHS in the Special Education Department, where he enjoyed associating with young people who appreciated and encouraged Mr. Bunn’s rare sense of humor.

During the summer of 1964, Bob married Marcia Watson, who joined him in a partnership that survived for 60 years. Bob always demonstrated that family was of the utmost importance to him. Marcia often said Bob’s attention and compassion for her were more than she deserved. Memories will be of great comfort, probably accompanied by much laughter, to his oldest son, Robert, and wife, June, and their daughters Olivia, Adrienne and Emily; his favorite daughter, Elizabeth (Battani), and her husband, Blake, and their children Mary Beth and Charlie; and his younger son, William, and wife, Mindy, and their children Henry, Lily and Otter. Each grandchild held a special place in Grandpa’s heart.

Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Bunn; his parents, Charles and Dorothy; his mother and father-in-law, Mary and Jerry Watson… and many special canine companions.

A celebration of life visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 29, from 2-4 p.m., at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake.

Ward Van Slyke is in charge of arrangements.