Robert D. Bartunek 'Bart' Lt. Col. USAF Retired

Enid News and Eagle Enid, Garfield Co., OK

May 2,2012

Submitted by: Lois BURDICK

Robert D. Bartunek 'Bart' Lt. Col. USAF Retired

ENID — Robert David Bartunek, 73, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2012, at Avow Hospice Hospital in Naples, Fla. He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Sept. 23, 1938, to Vincent and Blanche Bartunek. He was preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Jean, and his sister, Aleta Smith of Spring, Texas.

Bart” grew up in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Iowa, graduating from Iowa City High in 1956, and from the University of Iowa in 1960. In 1960, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He served two tours of duty in Southeast Asia, and retired in 1982 at Vance Air Force Base as a lt. colonel.

After retirement, he worked as a pilot for DHL, Exec-Express, attained a degree in geology from Phillips University, and founded Robert Bartunek Winery in Enid, Okla., where he was instrumental in increasing the wine industry in Oklahoma. His love of aviation followed him to Naples, Fla., where he spent many hours flying his 1947 Ercoupe, and building an experimental aircraft.

Robert is survived by his wife, Helen of Naples, Fla.; son, Dan Glenn and wife Marie of Boston, Mass.; daughter, Kari and husband Mark Perlstein of Phoenix, Ariz.; stepsons, Corry Woolington and wife Beth of Enid, Okla., and Mark Woolington and wife Tina of The Woodlands, Texas; stepdaughters, Stacey Stuart McCurdy and husband Scott of Naples, Fla., and Shelly Stuart of Norman, Okla. He also leaves in mourning five grandsons; six granddaughters; sister, Helenka Claypool of Williamsburg, Iowa; brother, Vincent Bartunek of Englewood, Colo.; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

His burial will be 1 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2012, in Enid Cemetery with full military honors by the U.S. Air Force Silver Talon Honor Guard. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Gay Cocheres officiating, followed by a reception for family and friends. Service is under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home.