Ricky L. Bunger

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate Ricky Lynn Bunger—a husband, father, proud Papaw, great-Papaw, and faithful servant whose love and laughter will be remembered for generations. While surrounded by family, Rick went home to be with the Lord peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026 after his battle with cancer.

Rick was a family man. For 54 years, standing beside Pam, the love of his life, through every season. Their marriage was a testimony of commitment, laughter, partnership, and love. As a dad and Papaw, he was his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan. Whether at a sporting event or school program you could always count on hearing his loud cheers and unmistakable whistle ringing out. That whistle wasn’t just loud—it was full of pride, encouragement, and unwavering belief in the ones he loved most.

Rick was also a dedicated and hardworking man throughout his career. He retired after 36 years from Ford Motor Company, where he was known for his skill, strong work ethic, and the occasional naps. He took pride in providing for his family and, despite early mornings, long shifts, and countless hours, he still showed up for his family and never missed a game or event.

He loved the outdoors, spending time in Texas, and fishing with his children and grandchildren. After three years of chasing a legendary bass, he finally reeled it in just one day before his diagnosis—a victory his family will always cherish as a testament to perseverance.

A devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and Arkansas football, Rick enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: riding his Harley with friends, playing games with the family, having taco nights, drinking sweet tea or black coffee with a 25 cent Little Debbie cake. He loved setting up the Christmas houses and making the village for all to see. He enjoyed church leagues of blitz ball and bowling, and loved putting on a comedy show for the church ladies dinners. Most days, you would find him in his cowboy boots—boots that weren’t just footwear but part of who he was.

His faith was the cornerstone of his life. After seminary, he served leading music, teaching Bible classes, and mentoring youth at church camp. He loved using acrostic poems to make his preaching memorable. He lived what he taught: show up, serve God faithfully, love deeply, and cheer loudly..

Though he may no longer be whistling from the sidelines or spending his days at sporting events, his legacy continues in every lesson taught, every cheer shouted, every hymn sung, and every family story retold. His life was marked by his faith and love in God, humor, loyalty, and a wholehearted love for family.

He was a husband, a daddy, a papaw, a teacher, a leader, and a friend. And he will be missed by everyone beyond measure.

Ricky is survived by his wife of 54 ½ years, Pam Bunger (Gadd); his daughters, Rachel Bunger, Rebekah (Mike) Bridge, Deborah (James) Evans and Leah Defrates; his grandchildren, Alan, Zachary (Macayla), Alexa, Chloe, Athan, Cayden, Payton, Annalyse, Xayden, Adalynn, Paisley and Marissa; his three great-grandchildren, Blake, Callie-Jean, Larkin and one on the way, Ella; his siblings, Ronnie (the late Donna) Bunger, Renee (Bill) Trussell and Randy (Betty) Bunger; and many nieces and nephews. Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bobbie Bunger; and his sons, Nathanael and Aaron Bunger.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45013. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Scott Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Butler County Memorial Park.