Wingate – Roy J. Bunnell, age 95 of rural Wingate, died 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 23, 2013 as a result of a fire in his work shop. Roy was born in Montgomery County April 15, 1918 to the late Orie and Estella Layne Bunnell. He married Ruth E. Campbell in her parent's home in Stone Bluff, July 14, 1946 and she survives. They just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.
Roy attended Veedersburg schools and graduated from Lane Technical High School in Chicago. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S Army and was a Sgt. in the 410th Fighter Squadron of the Army Air Corps as a radar mechanic. Roy had farmed in both Fountain and Montgomery Counties. He was employed by Dri All Dryers near Newtown as a welder and then began working in Henry Johnston's Machine Shop, making specialized parts for Dri All. In 1967 Roy and Ruth bought Mr. Johnston's machine shop, near Newtown. Roy was a talented machinist and continued producing parts for Dri All and making repairs for local farmers. He continued to operate his machine shop until was in his 80s.
He was a member of Farm Bureau of Montgomery County, American Legion Post 288 of Veedersburg, the former Center Christian Church of Elmdale and had been attending The Pleasant Hill United Church of Christ in Wingate. Roy was a colorful local character. Always full of wit, an opinion and a story, Roy will be sorely missed by his family and all those fortunate to call him a friend.
Surviving along with his wife Ruth are: a daughter, Sally (Don) Jones of Pendleton. Three sons, Bill (Margaret) Bunnell of West Lebanon, Robert 'Bo' Bunnell of Wingate and Charles (Carol Ann) Bunnell of Clarklake, MI. A sister Jewel Dazey of Indianapolis , ten grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren also survive along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a twin brother Ray, a sister Mary Tefft and son Thomas 'Wayne' Bunnell
His family will greet guests 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral services 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 27 with Pastor Duane Mycroft officiating at Family & Friends Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery near Wingate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nursing Scholarship at American Legion Post #72 Crawfordsville, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Visit us at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to share a memory or leave a condolence.