11/02/1941 – 05/08/21
Dr. Thomas George Bunting, 79, of Olive Branch, MS, passed away Saturday, May 8, 2021. He went peacefully in his sleep after bravely battling a long illness.
Thomas was born on November 2, 1941 in Wheeling, WV. He knew at an early age that he would pursue a career in science. After graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1959 then Wheeling College in 1963, he received his PhD in chemistry from Kansas State University in 1967. He went on to a celebrated career that spanned several industries over three decades. He was fortunate to retire early and travel the world with his wife before settling in Olive Branch, MS to be near the grandchildren. Thomas was a family man focused on his children and dedicated to Janet, his wife of 56 years. She was the love of his life, and in his final years, he devoted himself to her care.
Thomas will be remembered not only as a loving son, husband, father and grandfather, but as a true patriot with a passion for American history, a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and Ohio State Buckeyes, an afficionado of western movies, and an avid reader known to read an entire book in a day.
Dr. Bunting is survived by his wife, Janet Bunting of Olive Branch, MS; daughters, Christine (Robert Singler) Bunting of Napa, CA, Karen Herndon of Mount Pleasant, SC, Kimberly (Ethan) Snyder of Olive Branch, MS; sister, Joyce Klinkoski of Columbus, OH; brother-in-law Les Munjas of Playa Del Rey, CA; granddaughters, Alexandra and Elizabeth Snyder of Olive Branch, MS; eight nieces and one nephew.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Koler Bunting Slusarcyk and Thomas Byrl Bunting; sister, Judy Munjas; brother-in-law, Fred Klinkoski; and son-in-law, Chuck Herndon.
A service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in honor of Thomas George Bunting to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org). Online condolences may be left on his Tribute Wall at www.colemanfuneralhome.com.
