Thomas Bunfill

Thomas W. Bunfill, 57, died Tuesday morning, January 18, 2005, at his home after a brief illness. Born April 16, 1947, in Bellville, he was the son of Raymond and Hazel Smith Bunfill. He was the owner and operator of Mr. T's Coffee Shop for 30 years, serving thousands of people at all hours of the day and night. A comfortable, inviting place for many law enforcement officers, Tom often enjoyed drinking coffee and reading the newspaper in 'his' booth at the restaurant while visiting with his customers. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, he enjoyed going on trips with his friends, putting thousands of miles on his Kawasaki and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Along with his wife, Martha, they started a Thursday motorcycle night at Mr. T's, which still continues to this day. He was a member of the Mid Central Ohio Restaurant Association, Ohio Restaurant Association, Fraternal Order of Police Associates, HOG Association and worked with the K-9 Association. He was Past State President and was awarded the lifetime achievement award from the Ohio Restaurant Association. A friendly, compassionate man, he will be remembered as a good boss and friend.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Martha Beal Bunfill; a son, Chad Bunfill and his companion, Tammy Stapleton of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Thomas Parker of Daytona Beach, Fla.; three grandchildren, Kylie, Logan and Tracy; several stepbrothers and stepsisters; special friend, Jim Sweat; and numerous other special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Douglas.

Friends may call at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, Friday, January 21 from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Darrell Banks and Shawn Murdock. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Willeke-Banks Scholarship Fund.