Ralph L. Bunce, Jr.

Ralph Leroy Bunce, Jr., age 60, passed away Friday, January 8, 2021.

Ralph was born October 28, 1960 in Des Moines, Iowa to Ralph Sr. and Tenia Bunce. He lived his whole life on the East Side. He had one brother and three sisters and always looked out for his siblings. He grew up at the racetrack and was involved in dirt track racing. Ralph started working around cars immediately after completing school. He worked for various auto wrecking shops as a mechanic and hauling cars, followed by driving semis for the remainder of his career. Ralph enjoyed anything having to do with cars and racing. He loved going the Stuart Speedway and the Boone Nationals.

Ralph married Donna Gray on May 26, 2000. They loved going to Prairie Meadows, and watching the horse races. Ralph was a sports fan and enjoyed bowling. His kids and his grandkids meant the world to him. He loved his family above all else. He will be lovingly remembered as being carefree. Ralph loved to laugh and had an infectious personality.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Mellisa Mattingly (Tim); son, Justin Britson (Laura Watson); siblings, Donna Jean Hanson (Roy), Henry Ernest Bunce (Josie Morgan), Tenia Helen Davis (Robert), and Katie Ann Murphy (Robert); grandchildren, Teacy, Alexis, Justin, Richard, Leroy, and Alba; best friend, Danny Watson; nieces and nephews, Amanda, Ricky, Dusty, Bobby, and Kaitlyn; and many other loving extended family and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Sr. and Tenia Bunce; and his niece, Stacey.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2021, also at Hamilton’s, and will be followed by cremation.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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