Jefferson B. "J.B." Bundren Jr.

October 21, 1925 - September 23, 2018

Jefferson B. “J.B.” Bundren, Jr., age 92 year, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Sunday evening, September 23, 2018, at 7:45 PM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. J.B. was born October 21, 1925 in Ozark, Illinois. He was the son of Jefferson “Burlin” Bundren, Sr. and Orpha Birdie (Lawrence) Bundren. On August 12, 1950, J.B. was united in marriage to Shirley M. Tite in Harrisburg, Illinois. Together, they enjoyed over 68 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, J.B. is survived by: their children – Judy Mae (Bill) Carlson of Lone Oak, Kentucky, Joy Bundren of Troy, Gloria (Lon) Crook of Williamsville, and Craig (Deanna) Bundren of Vienna; an honorary son – John (Pam) McCuan and his family – Dusty McCuan and Brandi (Payton) Tecca and their son Augustus Spur Tecca and Dusty McCuan. J.B. and Shirley were also blessed with grandchildren – Julie Dawn (Rick) Turner, Crystal Gail (Shane) Thompson, Nicole Renee (Craig) Ford, Victoria Nicole Bundren, Robert “Cordell” Bundren, Katelyn Paige Crook, Lindsey Elise Crook, Deann McDonald, Lisa (Carl) Derry and Derek Carlson; great grandchildren – Elli Turner, Hayden Turner, Kalab Thompson, Tori Thompson, Gracy Ford, Gage Ford, Gavyn McKinney, Kaylee Carlson, Haley Carlson, and Nora Bundren; a sister – Lorene Goodson of Vincennes, Indiana; 3 brothers – Ralph Bundren of Oceanside, California, L.M. (Oma Lou) Bundren of Gary, Indiana, and Donald (Libby) Bundren of Ozark; sisters-in-law – Esther Tite of Highland, Indiana, Lou (Gary Miller) Hooven of Metropolis and Gail (Marvin) Palmer of Ozark; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, J.B. was preceded in death by: his twin sister – Berniece Slankard and her husband David; a sister – Alene Jett and her husband Lewis; 2 infant sisters – Louisa Bundren and Dorothy Bundren; his father-in-law and mother-in-law – Clyde & Ina (Porter) Tite, brothers-in-law – Bob Hooven, Jack Tite and Hershel Goodson; and sisters-in-law – Sandra Tite and Evelyn Bundren. J.B. was a 1944 graduate of Vienna High School. He joined the U.S. Army and served during World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of operation. He was a lineman in military communications. J.B. was honorably discharged from military service on November 19, 1946. J.B. was employed for approximately 40 years as a lineman and equipment installer by General Telephone, Inc. prior to his retirement. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) Local # 702 in West Frankfort, Illinois. J.B. cherished time spent with his family and had a love of farming and enjoyed raising cattle. J.B. was a dedicated Christian and a faithful member of the Creal Springs Pentecostal Church. He was a former member of the Masonic fraternity. A service honoring the life of J.B. Bundren will be conducted Friday afternoon, September 28, 2018, at 1 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Russell Gilbert assisted by Pastor Dennis Smith will officiate. Burial will be in the Zion Cemetery east of Ozark. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, September 27, 2018, from 5 PM – 8 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Zion Cemetery Fund, c/o Diane Hill, P.O. Box 118, New Burnside, Illinois 62967 or to SSM Health-Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital, 1465 South Grand Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63104. To share a memory of J.B. or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.baileyfh.com