TEXARKANA, Ark. - Dozens of police officers from both sides of Texarkana lined a Memorial Gardens Cemetery roadway Sunday to bid a final salute to one of their own.
Texas-side Police Capt. Joseph Bunting, who gave 35 years of municipal service to both cities, unexpectedly passed away at his home Wednesday. He was 71 years old.
An American flag draped Bunting's casket in tribute to his service as a Marine who served in Vietnam.
"May Joe be clothed in glory as all those who have gathered here this afternoon hope to be, the day when God comes back for his children," said Brad Morgan, pastor of Williams United Methodist Church. Morgan, who officiated at Bunting's graveside services, said both Bunting and his family served the church as strong members for years.
"Joe is now with Christ in Heaven," Morgan said. "Oh God, you know our needs before we even ask You for help. Speak to us once more on this day and may our lives be in your life as we especially praise you for the life of Joe."
John Bunting, one of Bunting's sons, also spoke in tribute to his dad.
"There were times when my dad and I didn't always agree on things. Dad wanted me to play sports, and I just wanted to play video games. But we talked about our futures and there were so many times when Dad would call me just to see how I was feeling, find out if I was all right."
Wake Village Police Chief Steve Shelley, who served with the Texas-side police department for about 30 years, also spoke.
"Joe went to work for the department in 1985 and I joined Texas side in 1989," Shelley said. "It was in about 2012 when our careers came together and landed us both in the Criminal Investigation Division. Capt. Joe was the kind of manager that could hold everything together and make things work. Also, if there was one word that could describe Capt. Joe, it would be 'devotion.' We talked about church quite often and he was strong in his faith. And he treasures his time with his kids and his grandkids."