Edward A. Bunce

Edward “Ed” Arthur Bunce, 88, of Aurora passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1938 to Arthur Dwayne and Ester Loraine Bunce in Aurora, he lived his younger years on the 400-acre Art Long farm in Big Rock. He had a love of nature and cooking, no doubt learned from his years there. He attended Big Rock High School where he was involved in many activities including being on the basketball team. After graduation Edward enlisted in the Army Reserves for 2 years. Following his service, he went to barber school, graduated, and worked at a shop in downtown Aurora with Red Kaufman and Roger Mahr. After a couple of years, they decided to open their own shop as partners. They opened West Plaza Barber Shop in 1961 where Ed cut the hair of many people for over 60 years alongside Roger, Red, and Rollie (who became one of his closest friends). His love of basketball continued on throughout his life. He attended almost every West Aurora High School basketball game, and traveled to the state finals as well to watch them win the state championship in 2000. In 2022, he was inducted into the Illinois High School Basketball Hall of Fame for his dedication to the basketball program at West High. Ed was also an avid golfer, playing many rounds with friends and family over the years. Family time was very important to Ed. He was a dedicated father, and enjoyed spending time with his children and his grandchildren. There was never any doubt that he loved and cherished his family. Ed taught his children the golden rule, and never wavered from practicing it himself. He attended every high school basketball and football game to watch Joy on the cheer team, and gathered with family for many holidays hosted at the homes of his children. He and Jode golfed together many many times over the years and also took several trips together both in the States and overseas. In his later years he visited Jenifer in Florida for two weeks every year around his birthday, also catching up with friends who wintered there for a golf game. Ed shared many Sunday night meals with family, and was a wonderful father and friend to so many people in the area. He was cherished by his children, Joy Lynn (Mike) Ward, Jode Edward Bunce, Jenifer Louise (Scott) Pankow as well as his grandchildren, Patrick, Matthew, Ryan, Christopher, and Lindsey Ward, Jacob (Katie) and Alexandria Bunce, Melissa (Dan) Bocek, Bethany and Olivia Wilson and his 8 great grandchildren. A memorial visitation in Ed’s honor will be held at Daleiden Mortuary (220 North Lake St, Aurora, IL 60506) on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 1pm to 4pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in honor of Edward Bunce to the Blackhawks Sports Boosters: https://sd129.revtrak.net/Blackhawk-Boosters-Donations/#/v/Blackhawk-Sports-Boosters-Donation Arrangements entrusted to Daleiden Mortuary, Aurora, Illinois – providing funeral and cremation services to Aurora, Montgomery, Sugar Grove, Oswego, Batavia, Yorkville and surrounding communities.

Edward A. Bunce

February 18, 1938 - March 22, 2026