David Bunch

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

David Lee “Smiley” Bunch, 65 of Anderson, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri, after a brief illness. He entered this life on February 29, 1960, in Atchison, Kansas, one of two sons born to the late Argel Lee and Terry (Amos) Bunch.

A graduate of McDonald County High School in 1978, he demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning by earning a degree in Agriculture from Crowder College in 1980, followed by a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from MSSC in Joplin, Missouri, in 1989.

His professional life was as varied and impactful as his personal interests. David retired in 2019 from the Missouri State Probation and Parole, having dedicated many years to the service of his state. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate David Bunch Auction Service for several years. His early work experience included time with the Missouri Department of Transportation and significant roles in law enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff and Police Officer from 1984 to 1990.

David’s commitment to his community was unwavering. He was a member of the Church of Christ on Kodiak Road in Neosho, former board member of the McDonald County School Board from 2008 to 2017, Past President of the McDonald County Republican Club and a veteran of the Missouri National Guard.

Above all, David was a family man. He is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-nine years, Deana Bunch, whom he married on October 12, 1985. His legacy continues through his children, Derald Lee Nonkesis Bunch and his wife, Katie, of Goodman, Missouri, and Dakota Faye Edwards and her husband, Jakob, of Anderson, Missouri. His joy was multiplied with the arrival of each of his four grandchildren, Adylida, Millee Mae, Clara Faye, and Rowan Cade, who will carry forward his infectious smile and generous spirit. 

 Additional survivors include his brother, Robert B. Bunch, and wife, Lynn, of Springfield, Missouri, one aunt, Shirley Ann Bunch of Goodman, Missouri, and his mother-in-law, Shirley Boman, also of Goodman; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews, whom he cherished as if they were his own. He was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Tom and Lora Bunch; and his father in-law, Derald Boman.

Graveside services are 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2025 at Ottawa Cemetery near Miami, Oklahoma with Nick Nichols officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Nathan Bunch, Josh Banta, Shaw Banta, Chayton Banta, Derek Boman and Cameron Woodrum, with Sawyer Banta serving as honorary pallbearer. David will lie in state at the family home, 510 Patterson Street in Anderson and friends are welcome on Wednesday and Thursday. In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to the McDonald County Schools Foundation c/o the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.