Donald Albert Bunch

Donald Albert Bunch, age 86 of Farmington, New Mexico, passed away on June 19, 2025. Don was born on March 21, 1939, in Akron, Colorado to Cecil Bunch and Nellie Leasman Bunch.

In 1939, Don had the good fortune of being adopted by Cecil and Nellie Bunch in Akron, Colorado. He would consistently claim this was the biggest blessing in his life.

In his early years he lived in Durango, Colorado, Horse Canyon, Utah and then Naturita Colorado.

During his last year at high school, he started working a part- time job at Nucla Lumber Co. Don graduated from Nucla Highschool in a class of 30 students. Additionally, from his involvement in 4-H club, he earned the $1000.00 needed to attend college for a year at Colorado A&M.

When Don returned from college, he married Millie Howse and in 1959 he started his family. In 1970 he moved his family to Gallup, NM, to start a very prosperous career with A.C. Houstin Lumber Company. He retired from the company as a vice president in Las Vegas, NV.

In 1979 Don married Evelyn Wood and remained married to her until her death in 2017.

Don thrived on hard work and held many jobs which included fixing equipment, working with concrete and driving a log truck. He was also well known for his work in sawmills, lumberyards and truss plants.

Don was a very outgoing man and enjoyed his memberships in the Jaycees, Elks, Nm Amigos and Ducks Unlimited.

Furthermore, Don’s family would like to recognize his friends Clyde Young, Wayne Daniels, Mark Mayo and Larry Worthen, all of whom he shared many special memories.

Don is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Bunch, his son Butch Bunch and his parents Cecil Bunch and Nellie Leasman Bunch.

Don is survived by his daughters, Debbie Ray (Sam), Julie Salas (David), and Kathi Fuller, his Grandchildren, Randy Bunch (Amanda), John Ray (Adrienne), Robby Bunch, Jason Ray (Kayla), Aaron Salas, Breanna Dwinell (Tristan), Dani Jones and Justin Jones, and Great grandchildren, Genna Bunch, Madison Bunch, Dylan Ray, Jordan Ray, Nolan Bunch, Emmitt Bunch, Braden Ray, Colton Ray and Banks Dwinell.

Graveside services will be held on July 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Nucla Cedar Ridge Cemetery. 27695 BB Rd. Nucla, CO 81424