Edward Bunyan

Edward James Bunyan, age 89, passed away on September 7, 2017 at his home in Thurmont. He was the husband of Gail A. Bunyan (Kissner), his wife of 60 years.

Born September 4, 1928 in Flushing, L.I, NY, he was the son of the late James R. Bunyan and Mary Bunyan (Quinn).

Mr. Bunyan enlisted in the Army Air Corp near the end of World War II. He was trained as a radar repair man on B-29's and was selected to attend weather forecasting school. After his training, he was assigned to set up the first radar storm warning system in the South Pacific, on the Island of Guam. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and in addition to his radar duties, was part of a small team at the weather station that monitored air samples from specially equipped B-29's, checking to see if the Russians had exploded an atomic bomb. He was one of the first to find out that Russia had exploded the bomb.

While attending the University of South Carolina, he was recalled to active duty for the Korean War. He was in the first group of inactive recruits to be recalled. During this period he helped train bombardiers in the use of Shoran bombing. After his release from active duty, he returned to the University of South Carolina and graduated in 1955 with a B.S. degree.

Mr. Bunyan was a Import Specialist with the U.S. Customs with his highest position being that of Regional Director for the Mid-Atlantic States. He was responsible for the uniform classification and appraisement of imported cargo. During his career he was elected by the Treasury Department to attend Graduate School at Syracuse University in New York State.

In addition to his wife Gail, he is survived by his son Edward, Jr. and his wife Katy of Frederick, a daughter Susan M. Sweitzer and her husband Gary, and three grandchildren, Morgan Marie, Cameron Michael and Jillian Marie Sweitzer from Taneytown.

Mr. Bunyan was predeceased by two brothers, James and Raymond, and three sisters, Muriel Krolman, Dorothy Zimmer, and Elaine Selian.

Mr. Bunyan is a 3rd degree member of Council 11975 of the Knights of Columbus in Thurmont, and a 4th degree member of Assembly #3483 of the Knights of Columbus in Emmitsburg.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Frederick County, Home Call of Maryland, primary physician Dr. Bonita Krempler-Portier, D.O., Dr. Robert Rice, MD and Nurse Practitioner Cara Fleckinger of Wellspan Medical Oncology, and Dr. Chet B. Patel, MD, Retinal Specialist for their care during Ed's illness.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 E. Main Street, Thurmont.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 11 from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 103 Church Street, Thurmont.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 103 Church Street, Thurmont, MD 21788.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.