David William Bunning

David William Bunning, age 86, passed away on August 27, 2023. He was born in Trenton, Mo on September 3, 1936, to David Richard Bunning and Stella Mae (Shepard) Bunning.

 He grew up in Kansas City, MO and graduated from Northeast High School. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kansas University in 1963 and served his country in the United States Air Force Reserves. He began his professional career with Remington Arms (Dupont) in 1963 and worked as an executive in management and engineering in multiple capacities until his retirement in 1996. He established a second “career” when he obtained his Airframe and Powerplant License at age 68 to further his abilities for airplane restoration projects.

David’s intelligence and mechanical abilities fueled his passion for a multitude of hobbies throughout his life. He was known for his award-winning restorations of both airplanes and tractors. He enjoyed dog training, duck hunting, sailing, playing guitar, banjo and harmonica, bicycle riding, photography, camping, shooting, building muzzleloader rifles, and collecting/repairing clocks. Airplanes were a continuum in his interest from childhood and throughout his life. He was both an airplane and glider pilot for many years.

During David’s mastery of many hobbies, he accrued friends through his gentle, honest, and friendly spirit. He taught his family the value of hard work, responsibility and fairness to others by personal example. He was direct in providing instructions, but always in a positive “here, let me show you something” manner. He was humble, but willing to share his expertise and volunteered his time in the Clark County 4H shooting sports program. He served at his church homes as deacon at Park Hill Christan Church (NLR) and usher at Victory Baptist and Levy Baptist in NLR. He continued in later years as a faithful member at Faith Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, AR.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Julia Powell and wife Carolyn. He is survived by his sister Jane Anne Marcks, his brother John (Mary Jane) Bunning, his daughter, Janelle (Stuart) Thomas, grandchildren Bethany (Drake) Goodson, Richard (Hayley) Thomas, Rebecca Thomas, and Miles David Thomas, nephews Jeff (Holly) Marcks, Phillip (Lori) Marcks, Barry (Rapunzel) Marcks, and Bill (Carrie) Bunning, niece Lori (Scott) Martensen.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Services are scheduled for Friday, September 1, 2023 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.  There will be visitation at 10:30 a.m. until service time on September 1st . Burial will follow in Rest Hills Cemetery. F

 Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923 www.ruggleswilcox.com