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NORMAN C. Age 84, and formerly Command Sergeant Major of the 156th Area Support Group, 96th USAR Reserve Command, passed away on Sunday, April 29th, 2012, at the New Mexico Veteran's Home in Truth or Consequences. He began his lifelong career under arms as a seaman in the Merchant Marine during the waning years of World War II. He later enlisted in the US Army and served his country around the world, in places as diverse as occupied Japan, Great Britain, Italy, Germany, on the Korean Peninsula, in the jungles of Vietnam, and at various posts throughout the United States. Following his retirement from the Regular Army as a Master Sergeant, Norman joined the Army Reserve, serving in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and in other locations, winning an appointment as a Command Sergeant Major, and fulfilling a lifelong professional ambition. While serving in the Army, Norman received the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and various other awards and decorations. CSM Bunch was a life member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was a 32 Master Mason. In his earlier days, he spent a great deal of time enjoying life while traveling, camping and hiking with his family. He is fondly remembered as his son's assistant scoutmaster and his daughter's daddy. Norman is survived by his former spouse, Clara Fay Bunch; his son David Bunch; his daughter, Susan Hennie; and their families, including numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We know he is in a better place, but he will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 10000 Spain Road NE, Albuquerque, NM, on Monday, May 7th, 2012 at 10:30 AM. Interment with military honors will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Flag Day, June 14th, 2012 at 12:45 PM. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the New Mexico State Veteran's Home, 992 S. Broadway Street, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901. Our profound thanks extend to the caring and respectful staff at this facility, who took such good care of Norman during his residency over the past few years. Arrangements are by Kirikos Family Funeral Home, Inc. and Sierra Crematory, LLC, 303 N. Cedar St., TorC, NM, 575-894-2574. For online condolences go to: www.kirikosfamilyfuneralhome.com
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