Reverend Richard “Dick” Bunnell, age 82, of Roanoke, was called home November 16, the anniversary of his son John’s death. He graduated from Elmhurst High School, earned his Bachelor’s degree from Indiana Central University (now University of Indianapolis) and his Masters of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He served for over fifty years as a Pastor in numerous United Methodist Churches in the Northern part of Indiana Area Conference, retiring in 2018 from Bethel UMC in Huntington.
He was a competitive golfer since his Elmhurst High School days and still enjoyed his Friday noon game at Norwood. He also enjoyed playing cards at the Roanoke American Legion Post #160 and walking with Heather and his four legged companion, Bella. Time spent with family and friends on vacation or at home was what he treasured most.
Dick was born August 13, 1936, in Fort Wayne, the son of Roy and Helen Bunnell. On April 9, 1994 he married his beloved wife of 24 years Heather Olson-Bunnell in Roanoke. She survives in Roanoke. Also surviving are 2 daughters Karen Holliness (Joe Watkins) of Fort Wayne and Kirstin (Eric) Bullington of Columbia, South Carolina; a son Erik Olson of Honolulu, Hawaii; 6 grandchildren Joel (Brittany) Bunnell of New Haven, Leesa Bunnell of Fort Wayne, Nicole Holliness of Fort Wayne, Joe Watkins Holliness of Fort Wayne, Rowan Bullington of Columbia, SC and Darwin Bullington of Columbia, SC, 3 great-grandchildren Colton Sprinkles, Hailey Hafner, Wren Bunnell, and another great-grandchild due on Thanksgiving; a daughter-in-law Sue Bunnell of New Haven; and sister-in-law Lynda Vanderaa of London, Ontario, Canada. He was preceded by a son John Bunnell, granddaughter Lindsey Bunnell, brother William Bunnell, sister-in-law Annette Bunnell, and brother-in-law John Vanderaa as well as his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethel UMC at 629 Riverside Dr., Huntington, on Saturday, November 24 at 10 A.M. Family will greet guests in Fellowship Hall following the service. The burial will be private.
Preferred memorials are to Huntington Bethel UMC-youth scholarship fund, Fort Wayne Calvary UMC- worship & outreach or Roanoke Seminary UMC- kids club c/o Roanoke Memorial Chapel, 240 Crestwood Dr., Roanoke, IN 46783.