Walter Seton Bunker

BUNKER
Walter S. Bunker, beloved husband for 67 years to Martha Heekin Bunker, died peacefully on December 2, 2014 at the age of 90. Walter left an enduring legacy of love, laughter, and Christian devotion. He is loved and will be remembered by his 'lady wife' Martha, sons Greg (deceased), David, Seton, Chris, Tim, Jay, and daughters Julie Strahl, Ann Bunker, Mary Ragland, and Marci Matvey. He was a devoted brother to John, Tom (deceased), Mary Martyne (deceased), and Elizabeth (Bo) Howland. He was a great father-in-law to Jim Strahl, Stephanie Pierson , Kathie Nutting Bunker, Paul Matvey, Grace Martinez Bunker, Jennifer Helwig Bunker, and Robin Mally Bunker. Walter is also a grandparent to and will be sorely missed by Jesse, Simon, Andy, Patrick, Jori, Cassie, Gus, Brian, Aimee, Emilee, J.D., Max, Rose, Paul Seton, Andrea, Allie, David, Mark, Sarah, and Patrick Donovan. He is also a great grandparent to Bella, Airaya, Roman, and Delaney.
Walter was born on Christmas day 1923 to John L. Bunker and Dorothy Schmidt Bunker. He grew up in Cincinnati attending Summit Country Day, St. Xavier high school, the College Conservatory of Music, Notre Dame, and Xavier University. He was a proficient violinist and pianist while attending the College Conservatory of Music on scholarship. Walter was an avid tennis player in his youth serving as the captain of St. Xavier's tennis team. At age 35 he learned to play golf at Hyde Park Country Club. He was a long time member of Hyde Park developing many lifetime friendships.
Walter served his country in WWII as a bomber navigator in the Army Air Corps flying missions over Spain and Italy. When he returned in 1945, he soon met and married Martha Heekin. Over the next few decades, he raised ten children with his wife Martha while serving as President of the Frederick A. Schmidt real estate company. At the time Frederick A. Schmidt was the oldest commercial real estate company in Cincinnati. He served on numerous boards and committees including President of the Cincinnati Real Estate Board. One of his fondest memories was fighting for the admission of the first black woman on the Cincinnati Real Estate Board while President. He was a strong advocate of equal rights under the law and gave much to many Christian causes including the Right to Life Commission. He petitioned tirelessly for the rights of the unborn and participated in many rallies, education concerns, and public awareness campaigns. Walter also gave a great deal to his church working on various committees, teaching young children about Christianity at St. Gertrude's, teaching adults to read, and helping the parishioners of St. Mark's in the development of their parish. He was ever mindful of the need to give his time, talent, and treasure to important Christian causes.
Walter was known as a great writer, teacher, lector, master bridge player, public speaker, and story teller extroardinaire throughout his life. His father John Bunker received his Honorary Doctorate from Xavier University and was an accomplished Poet Laureate working under Joyce Kilmer for the New York Times. Walter was a scholar of classic literature and music, and in his last twenty years published numerous short stories. Recently, the book 'Change Happens' was published by Losantiville Press with a selection of short stories, three of which were contributed by Walter at the age of 90. He did so while suffering from lung cancer and undergoing 13 radiation treatments. During this same time Walter graduated cum laude at age 90 from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. He is now the oldest graduate of Xavier University. His story was published around the world and inspired many a student to strive for their own college degree. Standing on the stage at Xavier University to receive his degree in front of 800 students was a major highlight of his life. He was one credit short having left Cincinnati to serve his country, but his degree was not to be denied.
Visitation will be Friday, December 5th at Rohde Funeral home in Mt. Lookout from 4 to 7PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Gertrude's at 9AM Saturday in Madeira. A special word of thanks to our Hospice family caregivers for making his final days peaceful. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, Right to Life, or Hospice of Cincinnati. Special condolences may be expressed to www.rohdefuneral.com.