Robert M. Bunten

Robert Muir Bunten, Jr., 89, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 2, 2017, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, KS.

Bob was born on May 14, 1928, in Topeka to Robert Muir and Mary Rock Bunten. Graduating from Topeka High School in 1946 he earned a degree in Business at the University of Kansas in 1950, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. In January of the following year, Bob joined the Cadet Program of the USAF in San Antonio, TX, at Lackland Field. Following flight training in Columbus, Mississippi, Bob got his wish for jet training and was sent to Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, Arizona receiving his wings with his 52-Charlie class and eventually flying the F-84G during the Korean War. From Korea, he was sent to Gifu, Japan and then returned to the States to Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia where he served as base operations officer. He served proudly, as he preferred to say, for 4 years, 3 months and 28 days and continued flying for many years with his family.

Bob met Barbara Banta of Pittsburg, KS, while at KU and later they were married at Williams Air Force Base at 4:20 pm on May 10, 1952, the same day he received his wings.

Following his Air Force career he owned and operated Kaw Dehydrating Co. in Rossville and Lawrence, Kansas as well as Kearney, Nebraska, with his brother Bill. His professional path changed in 1980 to that of commercial real estate appraiser until retirement in October of 2016.

Bob loved sports and was a member of the KU track team. He was an avid KU athletic fan, continuing the tradition started by his parents of attending nearly every football and basketball game. His love of golf led him to many rounds with friends, a Topeka Country Club Championship and a win of the TGA Senior Stroke Play.

Bob served on the board of First Congregational Church and the Topeka Friends of the Zoo. He coached Cosmopolitan Club little league baseball and served as president of the Topeka Country Club.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Cathy Mosimann (Bill) of Topeka, Rob Bunten (Stephani Bruyer) of Deephaven, MN, and Carolyn Bunten of New York City; grandchildren, Lauren Busch (Taylor) of Prairie Village, KS, Joe Mosimann (Kelsey Nepote) of Leawood, KS, and Nicole Bunten of Overland Park, KS; great grandchildren, Hudson and Bodie Busch; and brothers, Bill Bunten of Topeka, John Bunten of Dallas, TX and Steve Bunten of Leawood, KS.

A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Funeral Chapel and Reception Center, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka, KS 66604. A graveside service with full military honors will follow at 11:00 a.m.

The family would like to thank Midland Hospice for their kind and professional care of the patriarch of our family, Bob, and would suggest that any memorial contributions be made to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS, 66606.

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