Obituary: John R. Bundren
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[John R. Bundren, 81, died on March 31, 2012, at his residence in Harrisburg.
"Bob" was born in Stonefort on April 20, 1930, to Iva (Reeder) and John E. Bundren; later, his family moved to Harrisburg where he attended Malan Jr. High School.
As a young man, Bob worked at various service stations in Harrisburg and at the age of 18 he met and married his life partner of 63 years, Dorothy Pearcy. Bob and Dorothy were blessed with three children, Steven (Janet) Bundren, Debra (Bruce) Allen and Tamara (Jim) McGuire. They were further blessed with six grandchildren, Joshua (Alesha) Allen, Jacob (Keely) Allen, Jace McGuire, Maegan, Larra and Blaine Bundren. The blessings kept coming for Bob and Dorothy when Luke Jacob Allen and Parker Clarida came into their lives, two wonderful great-grandchildren.
Bob worked on many construction and road projects in the area through the Operating Engineers Local 318 where he mastered the skills of heavy equipment operation and earned the respect of many co-workers.
He spent several years working with the Sahara Coal Company, a career that was shortened due to a back injury. Bob went on to earn his G.E.D. and then spent time working in real estate sales. Bob later worked in car sales with his lifelong friend, Buddy Pool of Pool Pontiac. He retired in 1988. He served as campground host at the Glen O. Jones State Fish and Wildlife Area for many years where his outgoing personality, keen sense of humor, and friendly manner made his campsite a favorite spot to visit for all that came to know him.
His gazebo at his residence on Ledford Street was frequented by many friends from all walks of life including local law enforcement, mail carriers, businessmen, neighbors and old acquaintances who wanted to get a good conversation flavored with smiles, laughter and a humorous take on the recent town gossip. Any phone call to his residence when answered by him most always "treated" the caller to a dose of his unique sense of humor which was always funny even when the call was to address an urgent or serious topic. Bob was the quintessential jokester. He was thought of as a wonderful father by his children and had their love, admiration and respect always and forever.
Bob was a member of McKinley Avenue Baptist Church for more than 50 years and previously served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He loved camping and riding his motorcycle, but most of all he enjoyed vacationing with his family.
Bob Bundren served the Harrisburg Masonic Lodge No. 325 for 58 years. He was twice the Past Master, which included serving as Master of the Lodge during the centennial in 1959. Throughout his years of service, Bob mentored and instructed many acquaintances, friends, and family members. Bob was so pleased when all of the Past Masters pictures were displayed in the new Lodge.
Bob is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Steve and family; daughter, Tamara and family; son-in-law, Bruce Allen and family; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; three sisters, Betty Meadows of Michigan, Linda (Jack) Simpson of Harrisburg and Theresa (Larry) Baker of Texas; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and beloved daughter, Debra Allen.
Bob had many friends and will be greatly missed by all.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 15, 2012, at Reed Funeral Chapel with Masonic Rites by the Harrisburg Masonic Lodge. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at Internet site www.reedfuneralchapel.com.