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Byron Cloninger Obituary
Byron Thomas Cloninger Know to all as Bunky passed away March 7, 2009, he was 84 years old.
Our dad enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and served on the USS Mt. Vernon. Our family moved to Humboldt county in 1955 where he started working with Hammond Lumber then retired from Louisiana Pacific in 1988.
Besides his family his love was our mother Stella who passed away in 1997 after 50 years of marriage.
Bunky married Stella Mae Bagley on December 4 1949. One year later he gave her an Anniversary card and every year after that she received the same card.
Bunky was a basketball and baseball stand out in high school. He was hired at Hammond Lumber so he could be the catcher on their fast pitch soft ball team, and he played up unto his late 40’s. Bunky also coached little league and Babe Ruth in Samoa for many years.
Anyone who knew Bunky had to have a good laugh with him. His sense of humor was well known. Especially around the tool crib at L.P.
He leaves behind three children and their spouses Tom Cloninger and wife Amy. Jo-ellen Sundquist and husband Willie and Jan Bates and her husband Kevin.
Five Grandchildren Kristy Falkenstrom and husband Steve, Travis Cloninger and wife Hanah, Amy Cloninger, Jeffry Simons and Cody Bates.
Three great grandchildren Emma and Ava cloninger and Corbin Falkenstrom.
The past few months have not been easy for our dad. However, he faced his pain and struggles with dignity and grace.
Thank you to everyone who supported our father and our family through this time.
At his request there will be no services.
Arrangements are under the care of Paul’s Chapel, Arcata, Ca.
Please sign the guestbook online at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Byron Cloninger
Sharon Lampi
March 16, 2009
Tom,Jan and Jo-ellen,
Although things changed many years ago I still consider you all family. There were alot of good times. Bunky will be missed by many many people. Love and prayers to you all...
Sharon and Rich Lampi
Connie Rowland
March 15, 2009
Kevin, Jan and & Cody,
I'm so sorry of your loss. Bunky was a sweet, sweet person. We are blessed to have know him for a very short time. Our thoughts and love are with you.
Love, Charlie, Connie, Tara, & Devin
Bill Roth
March 12, 2009
Tom Jan and Joellen
Sorry to here of your fathers passing
you have or deepest sympahties in your loss
The Roth Family
Cindy (Tinsman) Will
March 11, 2009
Dearest Tom, Jo, and Jan,
So very sorry to hear of your dads passing. What a gift it was to have shared in the love of your family while hanging out in Samoa as a youngster. Those special times will never be forgotten. I Thank You All!
Uncle Wes, Aunt Eunice and your momma had to wait awhile, but there's no doubt in my mind it was an awesome homecoming when your dad showed up! I can picture the four of them sitting on a porch laughing and catching up on old times! No pain, no sorrows; nothing but endless happiness from here on out!
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and your families during this trying time.
Robert McFarland
March 11, 2009
Bunky was a great man. I have many fond memories that I will never forget.
Sara Combs (McFarland)
March 11, 2009
I really didn't know Bunk until I was about 14 or 15, when Kristy got a tooth pick stuck in her foot. Bunky and Stella came all the way from Eureka to McKinleyville to pull it out for her. She wouldn't let Bunky touch it, because it hurt. He finally held her down and pulled it out. I'll never forget it, it was one of the most funniest moments of my life!! He has recently been coming into our lumber yard to get mill ends for his fire. I wish I would have squeezed a little harder that last time I gave him a hug. I will miss him very much. My dearest sympathy goes out to you all!
LeRoy & Ken Murrell
March 11, 2009
We deeply regret the passing of your father. You have are heartfelt sympathy. He will be missed by all.
Mary Dawn Ford
March 11, 2009
Jan, Kevin, & Cody,
Thank you so much for bringing Bunky into our lives & neighborhood. We have enjoyed every minute shared with him the past few years. We will miss seeing him drive his maroon truck through the neighborhood, sitting in the sun in the garage, and most of all his fantastic sense of humor. Now who will keep track of how many times Merritt mows the lawn? We have lost a great friend but have gained so many fond memories of him. We will never forget them. Love to all of you.
Mary Dawn, Merritt, McKenzie, & McKenna
Mike Bacchetti
March 10, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
March 10, 2009
So sorry to hear about Bunky he was a card ,can still see him in the tool crib window,some times a little crabby on a shutdown but still Bunky. Bob Jackson
Jan Steeholm
March 10, 2009
Jan, JoEllen and Tom,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. We have so many fond memories of the "Samoa Days" with Bunky and Stella. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and your families.
Ken Stayton, Jan Steeholm(Jim), and
Kathy Parsons
kristy falkenstrom
March 10, 2009
kristy falkenstrom and family
james azevedo
March 10, 2009
Sorry to here of Bunky's passing on. He was a great guy. He made everybodys' day more enjoyable. thanks Bunky.
Charles Hailer
March 10, 2009
My family and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Bunky.Our thoughts and praters are with you .
david moore
March 10, 2009
To Bunky's family. So sorry to hear of Bunky's passing. He was such a special personallity at the Pulp Mill and he is remembered very fondly by all those who worked with him. Fairwell old friend!
Barbara & Lori Newman
March 10, 2009
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Don Price
March 10, 2009
Sorry to here about Bunky I think of you guys now and then and remember a lot of good times that we had together he will be missed by me and many others
miss you all
Love Don
Hobart&Marilyn Kline
March 10, 2009
Our lifes were enriched buy Bunky. Just to know him and work with him was a pleasure. Thank you for your wonderful sense of humor, you helped going to work a lot more enjojable.
Janine Cox
March 10, 2009
Tom, Jan and Joellen,
John and I are saddened to hear of Bunky's
passing. We are thinking of you and keeping everyone in our prayers. I remember a lot of good times with Bunky and Stella, and I am grateful for everyone of them.
Sending our love,
John and Janine
linda weatherbee
March 10, 2009
Just read about Bunky on line...I have
such wonderful memories of he and Stella.
(she taught my kid's Amber & Derek
Weatherbee) how to slide down the banister
at our house in Samoa. Bunky always had
the most incredible smile and quick wit.
Cherish your memories.
My Love to you,
Linda "Weatherbee" Dickson
Ken Starkey
March 10, 2009
Tom, Jan and Families - Deepest sympahties in your loss.
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