Robert Bunker

ROBERT BUNKER An early Las Vegas resident has passed away at age 98. One of Las Vegas' earliest residents has passed away peacefully. Robert Ferris Bunker was born Nov. 12,1914 in St. Thomas, to Robert and Annie Bunker. The Bunker's moved to Las Vegas in the 1930's, when St. Thomas was flooded to make way for Hoover Dam. "Ferris" was a second generation native of Nevada. His grandfather, Edward Bunker, was one of the founders of Bunkerville. Ferris lived in Las Vegas from 1933 until Feb. 23, 2013. He saw many changes in his city. Las Vegas grew from a sleepy little town of 4,000 to a bustling city of nearly two million. Ferris had a front row seat watching the growth of Las Vegas. He served in the U.S. Post Office for 37 years, walking a route in Las Vegas that included the Las Vegas Strip for most of his 37 years. Ferris lived a life of service to his family, his church, and his country. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Central States Mission in 1936. Upon returning from his mission, Ferris married his sweetheart, Elayne Johnson in the St. George Temple. Shortly after their marriage, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Infantry, where he proudly served during World War II. He returned to Las Vegas after the war to begin his life as a husband and father. He and Elayne were married 61 years, when she passed away in 1999. Ferris has served as a bishop, missionary, teacher, and a worker in the Las Vegas Temple. His greatest joy outside of his family was his service to the Lord. He is known by his children and grandchildren as a soft-spoken, gentle example of faith and righteousness. Ferris is survived by his brother, Wayne Bunker, 90, of Boulder City; his children, Robert B. Bunker (Sharon) of Phoenix, Tona K. Taylor of Las Vegas, and Trina B. Harris (Richard) of Incline Village. Other remaining descendants include 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a large extended family. Viewing will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Bunkers Mortuary, 925 Las Vegas Blvd. N. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 27, at the LDS chapel, 9580 Peace Way, Las Vegas. There will be a viewing prior to services at 9 a.m. Interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 7251 W. Lone Mountain Road.

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