John Richard Bunten

John Richard Bunten, 90, peacefully passed away on March 1, 2023, in Dallas, Texas.
John was born in Topeka, Kansas on July 3, 1932, to Mary and Robert M. Bunten. He graduated from Topeka High School and the University of Kansas where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta. He served four years in the United States Air Force flying B-25 bombers, retiring as a Captain. He then attended the University of Texas in Austin where he received his MBA in Finance.
On June 30, 1956, John married Anne Blalock, the love of his life. They met as teenagers on a train going to Camp Lake Hubert and Camp Lincoln in Minnesota. Through summers as campers and counselors, they developed a long-lasting friendship. After several years apart, they rekindled their relationship and eventually married.
In 1959, he began a 28-year career in banking with Republic National Bank of Dallas. After the executive management training program, he joined the National Accounts Division before becoming Executive Vice President of the U.S. Commercial Lending Division. He oversaw the National and Southwestern lending operations and Republic Bank money order and travelers check operations. In 1977, he became Senior Credit Officer and Chairman of the Credit Policy Committee before being named Vice Chairman and Managing Director of RepublicBank Dallas and RepublicBank Corporation in 1980.
RepublicBank was one of the first U.S. banking institutions to expand international operations to Europe, South America, and Asia. John was always proud of being one of the first bankers to visit China after U.S.-China relations began again in 1972.
Upon retirement from First RepublicBank in 1987, he worked as consultant with Secura Group before joining First City Bank Dallas as President in 1988. In 1992, he retired from First City and became an independent consultant for banks and savings and loans.
A true southern gentleman, John had a quick wit, a warm smile, and a sense of humor that endeared him to everyone he met. He was an avid golfer, storyteller, and devoted Jayhawk fan. Other passions included bird hunting, listening to Frank Sinatra, dancing with his children and grandchildren, and spending time with friends.
John spent every summer at the family cabin on Gull Lake in Minnesota. He loved sailing, water skiing, boating, playing "more" golf with family and friends, and family dinners on the beach. Nothing brought him more joy than having his whole family spend time together in the beautiful Northwoods of Minnesota. His family will forever cherish the months spent with him relaxing and laughing on the shores of Gull Lake.

In addition to being a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, John was actively involved in many community service and professional organizations. He was an advisor, trustee, or director of Southwest School of Banking, Dallas Clearing House, Baylor School of Dentistry, Dallas Historical Society, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Senior Citizens of Dallas, Camp Fire, Inc., National Camp Fire Foundation, and Zale-Lipshy Hospital.
John leaves behind a family he loved and cherished dearly and who will always remember him with joy in their hearts. He is predeceased by his wife of 60 years Anne Bunten, his parents Mary and Robert Bunten, brothers Bob and Bill Bunten, and in-laws Ruby and Richard Blalock.
He is survived by children John R. Bunten Jr and wife Dana Lou, Anne Fisher and husband Jeff, Betty Bullington and husband Michael, and Richard Bunten and wife Tricia; his grandchildren Laura Jenkins and husband Cody, Elizabeth Newman and husband J.W., Kelly Abram and husband Alex, John R. Bunten III, Robert Fisher and wife Taelor, Sarah Fisher, Anne Marie Bullington, Jeanne Anne Bullington, Brian Bunten and wife Lauren, and Ben Bunten who adoringly call him "Gamma"; his great-grandchildren Wes and Lane Jenkins, Walt, Gray, and Daniel Newman, and Bobby and Riley Fisher; his brother Steve Bunten and wife Susie, sisters-in-law Barbara Bunten and Joanne Bunten, and nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to his exceptional caregivers Jimmy Williams, Cedric McGee, Yolanda Fry, Rashee Coleman, and Kelvin White who were so loving and supportive.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at 1:00 pm in the Sanctuary of the Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75025.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Ln, Dallas TX 75205.