Alva Merrel Bunting Jr.

Alva Merrel Bunting Jr. of Mesa Arizona passed away peacefully on Saturday March 7th, 2020 at 91 years old. Alva was born September 2, 1928 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to his father Alva Merrel Bunting Sr. and mother Jeanette Loraine Bunting. He had one younger brother, Billy Eugene Bunting who passed on June 28th 2016

As a young man Alva Merrel married his beautiful wife Betty Lee Wilson on June 10th 1951. After 10 years of marriage Betty Lee gave birth to his one and only son, Michael David. In the delivery room, Betty told Merrel, as she lovingly called him, “You’ve got your fishing partner now”. Alva was so proud and excited to start their adventures together and share what he learned in his life with his new born son. Those experiences created wonderful memories and some hard lessons that Michael carries in heart to this day. Alva “Merrel” and Betty celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary together before she passed away in 2015.

As a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, he served in both the Navy and the Air Force for over 27 years. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal during his tenure in the military. The majority of Alva’s life was spent in public service including the United States Post Office where he retired in 1991.

Alva was a beloved husband, father and friend. He also took others, who did not have fathers in their lives under his wing. He always enjoyed sharing his love of nature and a good laugh around a campfire with his family and friends. All that knew him, and even those who just met him, loved his laugh & his sense of humor which he kept until his last days.

Alva is survived by his son Michael David Bunting and Daughter-in-Law, Denise Marie Bunting. Michael says, “As his son I learned to love mother nature, respect for others, integrity, dignity & honor.” Michael hopes to live up to his father’s example and make him proud as he watches from the stars. He will always remember the wonderful journey they had together during his amazing life. Denise, “Sweet Pea” to Al, thanks him for his loving kindness and for being the gentle father figure she never had. We will miss him very much and will always carry a part of him with us in our hearts.

Due to the uncertainty of this worldwide pandemic and the possibility of even one person being harmed by holding Alva’s services as planned on March 25th.

The family has decided to postpone services until more information is available regarding this virus and better assurances that we can protect everyone’s safety.

In lieu of flowers, Alva would surely prefer that contributions be made on his behalf to the Arizona Game & Fish Department for all the wonderful work they do protecting the places and wildlife he truly treasured.

Link: https://www.azwildlifehero.com/support-us/make-a-donation