Michael Charles Bunker

Michael Charles Bunker, 78, passed away on June 14, 2026, at Miami Valley Hospital following complications from a fall at home on June 3, 2026. Born on September 29, 1947, in Sidney, Ohio, Mike was the son of the late Russell and Leona Bunker.

A 1965 graduate of Sidney High School, Mike began working at Milligan Construction until he volunteered for the Air Force in 1967. He attained the rank of Sergeant and worked as an Air Passenger Specialist at Anderson Air Force Base in Guam and at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina. Mike's service earned him multiple decorations, including two Air Force Commendation Medals and the National Defense Service Medal.

After completing his service in 1971, Mike returned to Ohio, rejoined Milligan Construction, and attended heavy equipment training school. Mike excelled as an operator, foreman, and superintendent, earning a reputation second to none in the excavating business. But what truly set him apart was his integrity and the compassion he showed for his crew and fellow workers. Often stating that it didn’t feel like he worked a day in his life, Mike said he’d only retire when that changed. Fifty-nine years later, retirement finally came in August 2025.

As a man of deep faith, he was a fixture at church often acting as an elder. Over the years, he was a member at Sidney First United Methodist, Jackson Center United Methodist, and Anna United Methodist. He was also a very active member of the Emmaus community serving on multiple teams. He spent every morning with his daily devotions praying for his family and friends. His prayer card was long and his conviction was strong.

Throughout his life, Mike enjoyed attending his kids’ events, hunting with his sons, working in the yard, playing with his grandbabies, attending his grandchildren’s events, and playing cards with all who would pull up a chair. Spontaneous baseball games in the backyard and card games at the kitchen table were always expected. Throughout his life, Mike greatly enjoyed raising beagles. The dogs were meant to run rabbits, but his big heart wouldn’t allow him to part with even the worst hunters among them. In his later years, his litters of beagle puppies gave him great joy. Count yourself lucky if you were on the daily video updates from the Bunker Puppy Ranch.

Mike will be forever remembered for his strong work ethic, loving spirit, deep faith, joyful energy, welcoming attitude, and ever-optimistic outlook. His memory will live on in all the acts of kindness we continue in his honor.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, brother David Bunker, brother John Bunker, and grandson Dean J. Peredo. He is survived by his loving family: wife Ellen (Mote) Bunker; siblings Trish Stegall, Jim (Cuilain) Leung; children Dean Peredo, Christine (Roy Goudy) Bunker, David (Celina) Bunker, Stacey (Tim Conway) Bunker, Tamren (Cala) Bunker, Michael (Allison) Bunker, and Logan (Zoie) Bunker; step-children Lindsey (Sam) Hill, Andy (Tiffany) Linkmeyer; grandchildren Donovan, Cheyenne, & Derek Peredo and Eleanor Hayes; Riley, Audrey, & Mae Hammond; Jackson, Mason, Carson, Samuel, & Emilie Bunker; Liam, Naomi, & Colin Miller; Braxxon & Parker Bunker; Phoebe, Valkyrie, & Adaline Bunker; Lola Bunker; Arianna Hinesley; and Luna & Henry Linkmeyer.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 4:30 P.M. at Anna United Methodist Church in Anna, Ohio. Visitation will be on Saturday from 2 P.M. until the time of service. The family welcomes friends and family to an open gathering and meal at the church directly after services. Interment of ashes will be held privately at Beechwood Cemetery in Lockington, Ohio at a later date. Donations can be made in memory of Michael C. Bunker to St. Jude’s Hospital, Anna UMC, or K-Love radio station. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cromesfh.com.