Leonard Wesley Bunch M.D.

Leonard Wesley Bunch M.D.

Monroe - Dr. Leonard Wesley Bunch passed away on May 27, 2018, at the age of 86.

Born in Jones, Louisiana, Leonard attended Bonita High School where he achieved State Farmer status and was a state winner in Soil and Water Management as a member of FFA. He attended Louisiana State University with the intention of becoming a veterinarian but, at the encouragement of his professors, decided instead to pursue a career in medicine. Leonard graduated from LSU Medical School in New Orleans in 1957 and later completed his residency in dermatology in Shreveport. He entered private practice in Monroe in 1961. Leonard was beloved by his patients for his thorough and compassionate approach to medicine. He was honored by the Ouachita Medical Society for his long and distinguished service to the community. His sister Marilyn Hudson was his faithful partner in his practice, serving as his office manager for over 40 years.

In addition to his medical practice, Leonard was a consummate businessman who was active in oil and gas production, banking, and real estate development. His greatest passion was the acquisition and development of farmland and was known throughout Northeast Louisiana for his keen eye for potential. He mentored numerous young farmers and was also one of the first rice producers in Natchitoches Parish. He spent most of his weekends visiting farms throughout the Delta, riding through fields and admiring the land he so loved.

Leonard was married to Gail Strauss Bunch for 50 years until her death in 2015. In addition to raising their three daughters, they shared a passion for Louisiana architecture and gardens. In 1975 they purchased 30 acres north of Monroe along Bayou Desiard and commissioned A. Hayes Town to design an Acadian home they named Oak Point. In their search for period furnishing, they traveled throughout the United States and Europe. This experience inspired them to open H. Hal Garner of Natchez, an antiques and interior design business in Mississippi, which continues today. In their later years they embarked upon another project in designing a log home in Wyoming where they enjoyed gathering with family and friends.

Leonard was a consummate gentleman, kind and generous to his friends, his patients, and his wife, daughters and grandchildren.

Leonard will be lovingly remembered by his children Janis Barraza (Mike) of Monroe, Sally Mouton (David) of Houston, and Holly Dencker (Joe) of Denver, by his 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grand children, his sister Marilyn and her husband Douglas Hudson, and his sister-in-law Janet Bunch. He is preceded in death by his wife Gail, his parents Ruby and Wesley Bunch, and his brother Thelbert Bunch.

The family would like to thank Shirley Tribble for her many years of friendship and loving care to both Gail and Leonard, and want to express their appreciation to Gwen and Chester King for their faithful companionship in Leonard's final year.

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 30 at 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church of Monroe with Lynn Malone officiating. The family will hold a visitation at 9:00am at the church. A private burial will follow the service at Bartholomew Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ouachita River Valley Animal League and the First United Methodist Church of Monroe.

Pallbearers will be Mike Barraza, M.D., David Mouton, Joe Dencker, Thomas Boggs, Wesley Dencker, and Bruce Walker, Ph.D

Online condolence message may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes

Monroe, LA