Earl R. Bunch Sr.

December 16, 1930 - June 13, 2021

Bunch, Rev. Earl R. Sr. age 90, passed peacefully Sunday at Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. He had been Pastor of West End General Baptist Church from 1973 to 2019. He retired from Reynolds Metals after 31 years. Rev. Bunch was an Army and Air Force Veteran and he served as Moderator of the General Baptist Free Union Association. He was a member of The Blinded Veterans Association. Rev. Earl earned a reputation revitalizing long established churches by infusing a renewed stability to them. Shortly after being ordained into the Gospel Ministry, Rev. Earl became the pastor of Union (Rabbit Flat) General Baptist Church in Caneyville, Ky. After serving there for five years, he took the pastorate at Sun Valley General Baptist Church in Louisville. In 1973 Earl became pastor at West End General Baptist in Louisville and served there for forty-six years until his retirement in 2019 at age of 88. In addition to preaching revivals and helping found new churches, Rev. Earl served in various leadership roles for the General Baptist Free Union Association of Kentucky, being elected Moderator multiple times. He was recognized for his excellence in the administration of church business and received a lifetime appointment in the Association as Parliamentarian Emeritus. He was predeceased by all of his 12 brothers and sisters except for his dear brother Jimmie; and also one grandson, Earl R. Bunch III. Rev. Bunch is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Jeanetta P. Coates Bunch; one daughter, Betty Jean Burke (Keith); son, Dr. Earl R. Bunch Jr. (Janie); dear brother Jimmie Bunch; grandchildren, Alex and Nick Burke, Heather, Aaron and Sarah Bunch; 6 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held 11A.M. Saturday at Ratterman Funeral Home Southwest, 4832 Cane Run Road with interment in Louisville Memorial Gardens West. Friends may visit 2P.M. to 8P.M. Friday.