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Service Friday for Bobby Bunch

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Bobby (Bob) D. Bunch, a lifelong Holdenville resident, left this earthly realm for the second and final time on Friday, May 22, 2020. Bob loved giving witness to anyone about his death experience that occurred in his early twenties, making him a believer in the afterlife and God. He passed peacefully in his home following an aggressive fight against cancer.

Bob was truly a “Yankee Doodle Dandy” born on the Fourth of July in 1954 in Oklahoma City. Soon after his birth, his family back to their hometown of Holdenville where he enjoyed growing up, living, lifelong friends and working.

Bob was a gifted mechanic, graduating in the top of his auto mechanics class in 1972. His mechanical skills proved to be an asset working on oil wells for his father, John C. Bunch. He was often seen around town with his Dad from the age of ten, learning the business and working with John. Bob eventually purchased the oil business from his Dad and successfully ran his business for over forty years before selling in 2019. For two years during one of four oil busts he worked as a mechanic for Wrangler in Seminole where he was loved for his wit and his talent for repairing sewing machines.

In 2001 Bob met and married the match of his life, Paula Exstrom-Maulson. From the beginning he and Paula worked side by side in his oil business, teaming together to build a life for themselves. They built a home together, raised cattle, enjoyed their horses, and raising chickens. In fact, there was nothing Team Bunch couldn’t do or face together as they started each day with the attitude of “what new adventure” awaited. Bob and Paula loved the great outdoors and fishing, eating at their favorite restaurant Cajun Boiler in Hot Springs and GiaComo’s in McAlester. From the beginning, Paula embraced her new family, assisted Bob with his mother’s illness, taking his nieces on wilderness rides, family dinners and more. Bob also loved her family with the same love he had for his own.

Bob is survived by his wife, Paula, of the home; son John Bunch (Kristi) and two grandchildren Bekin and Odin of Oklahoma City; sisters Barbara (Marty) Meyer of McLoud, and Linda Moore of Norman; nephews Jon Leroy (Tammy) Swadley of Holdenville, M. Cody Moore (Justine) of Houston, Texas, Brian (Caroline) Cohoon, and Russell (Katie) Cohoon; nieces Diana Swadley of Holdenville, Kris (Jason) Abbey of Norman, Jamie Meyer of Midwest City, and Jennier and Janis Bunch of Florida; father-in-law, Paul Exstrom; sister-in-law, Eloise Cohoon (Tom); in addition to many loved great nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his father and mother, John C. and Dorothy I. (Walker) Bunch; stillborn son Samuel; sister Judy and brother-in-law Roy Swadley; brother Jerry Franklin; nephew Bud Bunch; and Mitzi Berry.

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors and cancer therapy staff for their kindness and professionalism during this trying time. We especially want to thank his family doctor, Gregory Grant and their staff for the encouragement and friendship throughout the years. In addition, Paula would like to thank great-niece Rachel Argullies who drove out of her way to Holdenville to assist Paula with Bob’s needs at the time of his death. A special thank you to Dale Ramsey for helping with yard work and Curtis Tollett for his frequent calls and visits to help lift Bob’s spirits. The family thanks all of Bob’s great friends for their encouragement and prayers over the these two years.

Bob requested that any memorial given in his name be sent to “Team Tyman Love Legacy” to help other cancer patients and families with their travel expenses.

A gathering for family and friends will be held that the Hudson-Phillips Funeral Home on Thursday, May 28 th , from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 29 th , 1:00 pm, at the Hudson-Phillips Chapel. Speakers will be Bill and Dane Robinson, Mayor John Massad, and Jon Swadley.