Royce Franklin Bunner

1942 - 2025

Royce Franklin Bunner, 82, of Omaha, Neb., passed away July 26, 2025, at the Select Specialty Hospital in Omaha.

Royce was born Aug. 15, 1942, in his grandparents' house near Taylor to Clayton Howard and Margorie Anna (Howard) Bunner.

Royce received his education from Taylor Public Schools, graduating in 1960.

On Sept. 13, 1960, Royce enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam War.

During his time in the service, he received the Longevity Service Award, Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign Medals, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Support Squadron and the Senior Airman Awards.

He was honorably discharged Sept. 24, 1967.

Royce was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn Hyde, at the Assembly of God Church in Taylor Feb. 10, 1962, while in the service and resided in Portland, Ore.

When Royce was discharged from the Air Force, the couple lived in Kearney, Grand Island and settled in Omaha.

Royce worked as a service mechanic, then was promoted to a District Service Manager for Volkswagen.

Royce owned and operated Eagle's Express service for many years. He was known throughout the Midwest for his excellent service as a mechanic.

In 2007, Royce and Carolyn moved to Ansley to be near family after Royce's stroke. The couple moved to Omaha and lived at the House of Hope.

Royce was an avid bar-b-que and meat smoker; he enjoyed music and Husker sports, and even had his pilot's license and loved to fly.

Royce was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn; parents; daughter LaLoni Vas; sisters-in-law - Angie Bunner and Charolette Kezior; brother-in-law Bob Dembowski; and granddaughter-in-law Beth Heesch.

Royce is survived by his children - Lorina (Jim) Patterson of La., Linda Bunner of Omaha, Steven (Tonja) Bunner of Omaha, Lisa (Matt) Linneman of Omaha, and Lavonne (Jeff) Glassbrenner of Leavenworth, Kans.; son-in-law Joe Vas of Ansley; grandchildren - Jennifer Vas, Andrew Vas, Caelin Vas, Kylee Warner, Nick Heesch, Zach Heesch, Luke Heesch, Amelia Persnel, William Baker, Amber Sons, Sara Nyffler, Sebastian Nyffler, Cameron Hodge, Shelby Cejka, Greyson Bunner, Creighton Bunner, Zane Slatten, Roger Slatten, Royce Slatten, Zoe Slatten, Miles Linnemann, Henry Linnemann, Riley Glassbrenner, Cody Glassbrenner, Dylan Glassbrenner, Eliana Glassbrenner; great-grandchildren - Axel, Asher, Ryatt, Adeigh, Abram, Noah, Erica, Lillie, Reign, Landon, Lincoln, Evelyn, Atlas, Archer; brothers - Bob Bunner of Loup City, Howard (Judy) Bunner of Grand Island, Larry Bunner of Milburn; sister Shirley (James) Daugherty of Lincoln; and a wealth of nieces; and nephews.

Funeral services will be Monday, Aug. 4, at 10 a.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow.

Burial will follow in the Madison Square Cemetery near Taylor with military honors.

A lunch will follow the burial at the Sargent Community Center in Sargent.

Visitation will be Sunday, Aug. 3, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow.

Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com.