Marion Delma Bunton

Obituary for Marion Delma Bunton

1934 was the birth year of many notable African Americans: Hank Aaron, W. E. B. Dubois, Arthur L. Mitchell, Greg Morris and Bill Russell to name a few. September 19, 1934, another notable, Marion Delma Bunton (Sr.) son of Iretta (nee King) and Hubert Bunton was born in Milford, Texas.

Marion (affectionately nicknamed 'Dee' and 'Sarge') joined sisters Wynell Parker and Cora Lee Bunton. Upon Hubert's passing, Iretta later married Jessie Washington, Sr. The 'Bunton Trio' soon welcomed Jessie Washington, Jr. and Joe Edward (Jody) Washington to the family.

Marion was intelligent, studious and determined to succeed graduating from Kelly Miller High School in Milford at the age of 16. He had a desire to seek his fortune beyond the confines of Milford and joined the United States Army August 29, 1951. Coming back home on leave, he found love a few miles down the road in Pelham, taking Willie Marie Cook as his bride. This union grew into a family of seven children: Evelyn (Evelina) Marie, Anita Yvonne, Marion Delma Jr., Hubert Anthony, Elizabeth Ann Pierre August, James Henry and Kathy Renee Bunton.
Marion loved serving his country and found life in the military very rewarding. His tours of duty took him to France, Germany, Italy, and Panama. Stateside, he was stationed at Fort Hood and Ft. Bliss. His family benefited from living overseas and their exposure to the different cultures and languages. Tours in Korea and Vietnam earned him a Bronze Star, Korea Service and Vietnam Service Medals. He also received Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Army Commendation and two general Commendation Medals.
Marion was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of Sgt First Class (E7) September 1, 1971. Not yet finished with military service he transferred to the US Army Retired Reserve, retiring at the age of sixty. Settling with his family in El Paso, Texas, he began work as an insurance agent for John Hancock Insurance Company where he received numerous awards as a top performer.
A country boy at heart, Marion found himself moving back to Milford as a bachelor. Not remaining single for very long, he married a childhood acquaintance Betty Jean. He relocated with Betty and daughter Shelia to Malone. Marion didn't know what it meant to be retired and soon found himself actively employed again at Spartan Copper in Hillsboro. During this time, he pursued a college education at Hill Jr. College earning an associate's degree in applied arts and sciences along with ASP Certification in auto mechanics. More work for eleven years at Bird Kultgen Ford in Waco and twelve years at Hillsboro Walmart before finally retiring for good on December 3, 2010.
Marion never met a stranger. He enjoyed being around people, recounting his life experiences, bragging about his children's accomplishments, hanging out 'under the tree' in Hubbard and the Co-op and 'Frog Branch in Malone. He filled his days 'socializing', running errands and helping others.
Marion said he had a good life, blessed to be in his right mind with health and strength, able to live independently until his health began to fail in early 2025. He quietly passed away on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. We choose to say on that day he was welcomed 'home' by his parents (Hubert, Jessie and Iretta) his four siblings (Wynell, Cora Lee, Jessie Jr., Joe Edward) nephew Robert, daughter Elizabeth Ann, granddaughters Ebony Sheffler and LaShun Mills, great granddaughter Jacee Nicol Green, stepdaughter Shelia Carruthers and sons Hubert Anthony and James Henry.
Celebrating his life and legacy are his children and their spouses, Evelyn (Edward) Sutton, Anita (Alexander) Harrison, Marion Jr. (Lori), Kathy, daughter-in-law Janelle Bunton, devoted niece Tammie Richardson, Deray Bunton, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.