Gary Wayne Bunt

1943 - 2016

Gary Wayne Bunt died peacefully in his sleep after a courageous battle with post polio syndrome and ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. Service: A going home memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the First United Methodist Churck in Springtown. A covered dish luncheon will immediately follow in the fellowship hall. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital Children's Fund, 1100 Henderson St., Fort Worth 76102. Gary was born May 28, 1943, in Fort Worth to the late Earl Davis Bunt and Edna Talbott Bunt. He spent the early part of his life in Hollywood, Calif., where his mother, Edna, was a model and wife of Sheb Wooley, the famous western television and movie actor of "Rawhide," "High Noon," "Hoosiers," "Blazing Saddles" and many others as well as the songwriter of "Purple People Eater" and music writer for the first three years of the TV show "Hee Haw." Gary considered Sheb to be his father as he shaped Gary during most of his growing up years. Gary was a veteran of the United States Navy serving aboard the USS King. He was enlisted by his mother who along with Gary lied about his age, because he was only 16. After leaving the military, he attended Arlington State College, Tarrant County College and the University of Dallas. He graduated with an associate of applied science degree in aeronautical engineering and management as well as mid-management. He was SME certified Manufacturing Engineering and a NMA Certified Manager. He entered the field of manufacturing engineering and tooling working for Bell Helicopter, Lockheed-Murdock, and Menasco. His career spanned over 47 years in the aeronautical engineering field. Gary married the loves of his lives five times before giving his heart to Connie Ellis. Gary was a member of the Springtown First United Methodist Church serving on the administrative council, board of trustees, United Methodist Men and liturgist. He was proud to be a Mason, Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction and USS King plank owner. "My dear friends, if there is such a thing as a perfect friend, it would have to be you. It's not just that our relationship is so close and so honest, it's more than that I think it's because you're one of those special people who always put others first. Anyway, whatever it is I just wanted you to know you are very important to me."-- Poem by Gary Wayne Bunt to his many friends. Survivors: Gary is survived by Connie Ellis; daughter, Candace Aylor of Austin; daughter, Jennifer and Scott Stewart of Redmond, Ore.; stepson, Mike Ellis and Melody Willis of Springtown; stepdaughter, Donna Ellis and Pat Yochum of Fort Worth; stepdaughter, Starr Vernon of Philadelphia, Pa.; granddaughters, Marah and Rebekah Aylor, and Laila and Rilynn Stewart; several stepgrandchildren and uncles; and numerous friends.