Brigadier General Alfred P. Bunting
Died – Feb. 10, 2020
BURLINGAME — Brigadier General Alfred P. Bunting, retired, Burlingame, died Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, from complications of an automobile accident.
A native of Kennett, Mo., he joined the Army in 1948, at age 17 and served as an infantryman in Korea and Japan. He met the love of his life, Toni, while assigned at Fort Riley. He joined the 127th Fighter Bomber Squadron of the Kansas Air National Guard in March 1953 and rose through the ranks, serving as a first sergeant and ultimately obtained the highest enlisted grade of Chief Master Sergeant. He was direct commissioned a First Lieutenant in January 1962. He served two five year tours at the Pentagon with his final assignment as Chief of Staff of the Air National Guard from 1983 to 1985.
He returned to Kansas in 1985 and was promoted to Brigadier General and served as Assistant Adjutant General Air and Commander of the Kansas Air National Guard until he retired in October 1990, with 43 years of service. He is the only military member to obtain the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and also become a General officer.
General Bunting was honored by the NCOs under his command with the “Order of the Sword.” This is the highest honor that can be bestowed on an officer by enlisted men and women. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal. He was inducted into the Kansas National Guard Hall of Fame Nov. 5 2006.
He was an avid horseman, who kept and drove at least one team of horses on their ranch for 40 years, until age 86.
His beloved wife of 68 years, Marjorie “Toni,” September 2019. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Ed and Benny.
He is survived by four sons Alan Bunting, Marc Bunting, Major General (retired) Tod Bunting and wife, Barbara and Kyle Bunting and wife, Pipi; three grandchildren, Alan (Kim), Skye Gale (Dustin), Anthony (Jenna); two brothers, Bill and Paul Jackson; and two sisters, Lois Crawford and Beverly Stracener.
Graveside inurnment services, with full military honors, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, in the Serve and Protect Garden, Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Life reception will be held noon to 2 p.m. at Ravenwood Lodge, 10147 S.W. 61st, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heroes Among Us, 4335 N.E. Meriden Road, Topeka, KS 66617.
Dove Southwest Chapel is assisting with arrangements. To leave a message for the family, visit www.DoveTopeka.com.
