Bruce Lunt

John Bruce Lunt, 78, of Duncan, Arizona, passed away on February 27, 2026 after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Born on April 10, 1947 in Douglas, Arizona, Bruce was the fourth of six children born to Elno and Anne Lunt. From an early age, Bruce was known for his intelligence, curiosity and industrious spirit. He grew up working on the family farm, which he later purchased and where he raised his own family. Though his childhood was marked by frequent illness and a traumatic brain injury after a fall from a horse at age seven, he grew into a bright and determined young man.

Bruce attended Duncan High School where he participated in track and tennis. Self described as "not much of an athlete," he instead focused on excelling in academics and participating in choir, pep club, chess, Spanish club, Future Farmers of America, Future Teachers of America and National Honors Society. He graduated in 1965 as Valedictorian. Bruce served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States Mission. Upon returning, he pursued his education at Brigham Young University. There he earned a master's degree in Accountancy and met his beloved sweetheart, Merlene Dee Thorup. The couple was married in Utah in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on September 1, 1971, and together raised seven children: Benjamin (Brenda), Elizabeth (Brett) Barney, Steven (Amy), Samuel (Julee), Jonathan (Charis), Amanda, and Keri (Lance) Stevens.

Bruce had a distinguished career in computing, working for Phelps Dodge where he developed innovative programming systems and contributed to major projects, including hospital billing, fuel allocation, and industrial supply systems. He later shared his knowledge as an instructor with Eastern Arizona College, teaching programming to adult students. A lifelong servant in his community and church, Bruce served as a member of the Duncan LDS Stake High Counsel, as a counselor in the Stake Young Men's Presidency, as the First Counselor in the Virden Ward bishopric, as a Gospel Doctrine teacher, a High Priest Group Leader and the Stake Clerk. He and Merlene served together as temple workers in the Gila Valley Temple for more than a decade.

Bruce devoted 27 years to Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant District Advancement Chairman, helping 103 young men achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, and worked alongside Merlene in local Cub Scout programs. Both were honored with Silver Beaver awards for their dedication. Together with Merlene, Bruce also worked at the Greenlee County Fair for more than four decades: she in the sewing department, he in the agriculture department. He also served 25 years on the local school board, only taking a break to teach high school math and physics. Other areas of service include: BLM Steering Committee, New Model Board and GIFT Governing Board. Bruce's life work was ranching and farming. A brilliant, hardworking and frugal man, he built his own home. He often received comfort from and quoted Doctrine and Covenants 90:24 "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good…" He also always used to say, "We're too poor to buy cheap things."

He was deeply committed to family, community, education and faith, and is remembered for his work ethic and testimony of Jesus Christ. Bruce was preceded in death by: his parents, and sister, Jeanette (Leo) Lines. He is survived by: his beloved wife, seven children, 24 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Annette (Grant) Hunter, Jim (Irene) Lunt, Shirleen (Paul) Daniels, and David (Loni) Lunt.

Funeral services for Bruce will be conducted Monday, March 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Duncan Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Concluding services will follow in the Virden Cemetery.

Family will receive friends Monday, March 9, 2026, from 9:00 until 9:45 a.m. in the relief society room of the Duncan Stake Center.