Robert E. Bunnell, 55

DOVER - Robert E. Bunnell, died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, in his home. He was 55. Mr. Bunnell was born August 5, 1953, in Kankakee, Ill., to Leslie K. Bunnell and Estelle Benoit Bunnell. After graduating from Virginia Tech, he served in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Lt. Col. in 1996, after 21 years of service, during which time he earned a Masters Degree in Operations Research from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Bunnell was Executive Director of Luther Towers and was instrumental in the development of Luther Village. In February of this year, the board of directors honored him by naming "Bunnell Way" in Dover for his efforts. He was selected as the 2002 Dover Post's "Great Person of the Year". Mr. Bunnell also coordinated the Downtown Dover Fourth of July festivities from 1997-2003. He was a member of the Capitol Rotary Club in Dover and the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce. For several years, Mr. Bunnell was a member of the Milford Community Band and Caesar Rodney Band Parents' Association. He especially enjoyed tailgating with close friends. Mr. Bunnell is survived by his wife of 33 years, Martha (Marcie) Haskins Bunnell, of Dover; two sons, Brian J. Bunnell, of Boston, Mass., and Colin E. Bunnell, of Newark; his sister-in-law, Alice R. Leber and her husband Joe Gori, of Oxford, Conn.; along with nieces, Robin Bowles and Ariel Leber. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720; or the Delaware Hospice, 911 S. Dupont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901. Arrangements by Torbert Funeral Chapel. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.