ELKHART — Robert William Bunner, 94, of Elkhart, passed away Friday, Oct. 24.

He was born on June 28, 1920, in Fort Wayne, to the late Forest and Orilla (Moeschberger) Bunner.

Robert is survived by his two brothers, James Bunner of Erie, Pa., and Alan Bunner of Culver.

Robert graduated from Purdue University, earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering.

He enlisted in the naval reserves in 1942 and went into active duty in 1943. He served 30 months of active duty during World War II on the destroyer escort ship USS McNulty, which was a turbine electric-powered antisubmarine ship. He earned medals in the American, European, African, Middle Eastern, Asiatic and Pacific theaters of World War II. He also earned two Bronze Stars and the Victory Medal. He served as the engineering officer on the USS McNulty.

Robert worked with General Electric Corp. in Danville, Ill., Madisonville, Ky., and Juarez, Mexico, until his retirement. After his GE retirement, he served various extended volunteer terms with International Executive Service Corp. in Columbia, Egypt and Taiwan.

He married Dorothy Bloemker in 1946. She passed away on June 5, 1988.

They raised five children, Diane (deceased), Terry (Frank) Hahnstadt of Fisher, Ill., Janet (deceased), Matthew (Terrilynn) Bunner of White Pigeon, Mich., and Andrew Bunner of Denver.

Robert married Herta Carbonara in 1990. Herta survives in Elkhart, and her daughter, Patricia, lives in Dowagiac, Mich.

Robert and Herta have seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Robert was active as assistant scoutmaster in his sons' Boy Scout troops and inspired both of them to earn their Eagle Scout rank. He traveled with the Boy Scouts on many camping adventures to Canada and the Rocky Mountains.

Robert was a talented wood carver, and his family proudly displays his works, such as a lion's head and various other animal sculptures. He also enjoyed building historic model sailing ships and had his ham radio amateur extra license, and communicated to ham stations around the world. He enjoyed swimming for pleasure and fitness.

Robert and Herta attended church and sang in the choir at First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart and a Presbyterian church in Pompano Beach, Fla.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the chapel at Sunset Memorial Park, 3901 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834, where military honors will be rendered by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honor Guard and Danville American Legion Post 210.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, 141 Broadway St., Albany, NY 12202.

Billings Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

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