Jessie Howard Bunch Sr.'s Obituary
Jessie Howard Bunch, Sr., 88, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away December 22, 2025, at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur.
Jessie was born in Glasgow, Kentucky, on August 14, 1937, the son of Bill “Willie” and Louvenia (Strode) Bunch. He married Mary L. Brookman, and they shared 18 years together. He later married Lucy Mae Peveler, who preceded him in death in 1998.
Jessie was a heavy equipment operator, retiring from Staley’s after 30 years. His hobby was working hard, and even after retiring, he was involved in landscaping and trucking. He owned and raced stock cars. He loved training and caring for horses. He enjoyed hunting when he had the time. He loved his family and especially cherished the time he spent with his special granddaughter, Keela. He was a longtime member of Sunnyside Road Church of Christ, and later he joined Morningside Chapel Church of Christ.
Jessie is survived by his children Rhonda (Donald) Beiler, Jr., of Decatur, Randy (Sherri) Bunch of Las Vegas, NV, Rodney (Sharon) Bunch of Decatur, and Jessie Bunch, Jr.; stepson Jim Ishee; siblings Juanita Anderson of Glasgow, KY, Royce (Paula) Bunch of Glasgow, KY, and Terry (Debbie) Bunch of The Villages, FL; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his wife Lucy, his parents, 3 brothers, 1 sister, and 1 great-grandchild.
Service for Jessie will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10am and will be followed by a funeral service at 11am. Burial in Macon County Memorial Park will follow the service. Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer's’ Association. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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