Robert M. Bunting Jr., 90, of Chanute, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at Credo Assisted Living in Chanute, surrounded by family.
Bob was born on July 18, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Robert M. Bunting Sr. and Margaret Bunting. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, beginning his service in 1955 and serving for several years.
On February 20, 1959, Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Headrick. Together they built a life rooted in family, service, and community. In 1969, Bob and Peggy moved to Chanute with their young children for a job opportunity, and Chanute became the place Bob truly called home—a community that embraced and supported him through both joy and profound tragedy.
Bob endured tremendous loss throughout his life, including the deaths of all three of his children—daughter Laurie in May 1970, son Raymond in September 1986, and daughter Genese in December 1994—as well as the loss of his beloved wife Peggy in March 2015. Despite these hardships, Bob remained remarkably positive, resilient, and deeply connected to those around him. His strength of spirit and enduring optimism left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Bob was a social person who genuinely loved interacting with others. He enjoyed lunches with friends and family and staying actively involved in the community. He was a devoted sports fan, especially enjoying Neosho County baseball and enthusiastically attending his grandchildren’s activities.
Professionally, Bob worked in manufacturing before beginning a long and respected career in public service. He worked at City Hall in Chanute, eventually serving as Chanute City Manager. He later worked at Commerce Bank in Chanute before becoming City Superintendent in Coffeyville. He concluded his career at the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission in Chanute.
Bob is survived by his sonin- law, Bart, and wife Joan of Burlington; his grandchildren, Isaac (Yasmin) Kuhlmann of Overland Park, Kansas, Grace Kuhlmann of Lenexa, Kansas, and Max Kuhlmann of Manhattan, Kansas; and one cherished great-grandchild, Prescott Jo Kuhlmann. He is also survived by two brothers, Boyd Bunting (the late Carolyn) of Loudon, Tennessee, and Dr. William Bunting (Patricia) of Cheswick, Pennsylvania; and one sister, Bess Reid (the late Carl) of Mentor, Ohio.
Services will be held Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Countryside Funeral Home, 101 Highland, Chanute, Kansas 66720. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Alive Alone, a charitable support group for bereaved parents who have lost all of their children, and may be sent in care of Countryside Funeral Home.
Bob’s life was marked by service, resilience, kindness, and an unwavering love for family and community. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
