William E. Bunce, 88, of Gallipolis, passed away Monday, May 4, 2009, at the Holzer Medical Center. Born in Gallipolis on March 23, 1921, he was the son of the late William E. and Vena Lewis Bunce. His loving wife of 52 years, Ernestine (Thevenin) Bunce, preceded him in death on March 11, 1993. Mr. Bunce worked for the Pennsylvania, Penn Central and Con-Rail railroads, from which he retired. He worked as a brakeman and yardman and served as the chef on the railroad's wrecktrain crew. Mr. Bunce was an avid hunter and fisherman. He served during World War II as Private First Class, Advanced Training Company 424th Infantry, Army of the United States. His duties were of military policeman. His decorations and citations received were the EAME Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon and the World War II Victory Medal. He received an honorable discharge on Dec. 18, 1945. He was also a member of the VFW Lodge No. 4464 and American Legion No. 27. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Dickson of Gallipolis; two sons, William E. (Sandy) Bunce of Lancaster, and Michael (Robin) Bunce of Columbus; three daughters, Barbara (John) Edington, Michele (Joe) Gjurecech, all of Columbus, and Sandra Achord of Sorrent, La.; 18 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and nine great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, in-laws and loved companion, Dorothy Baird, who helped care for him. In addition to his parents and wife, Ernestine, Mr. Bunce was preceded in death by brothers, Vern and Leo Bunce, and sisters, Beatrice Perkins and Ruby Charchak. Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday May 9, 2009, at the Willis Funeral Home, with Pastor Alfred Holley officiating. Burial will follow in Fulton Cemetery, Bunce Road. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, May 8, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be full military honors by volunteers of area veterans lodges.