Oscar Louis Bunge

Oscar Louis Bunge of Wharton, age 70, passed away in his home in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 11, 2017. Visitation will begin on Wednesday, February 15th at 5 pm at the Chapel of Wharton Funeral Home with a Knights of Columbus Rosary recited at 7 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Bob Knippenberg on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at 11:00AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, Wharton Texas. The Rite of Committal and burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake at 2:30 pm. Oscar was born on November 13, 1946 in El Campo, Texas to Margaret and Lester P.W. Bunge, Sr. Leaving his wife of 27 years, Barbara Karkoska Bunge, daughter, Tonda Bunge Sellers and son-in-law, Shawn of Katy, step-son, Alan Todd Slaughter of San Antonio, his pride and joy grandchildren, Beckett and Cougar Sellers and Brandon Slaughter, brother, Lester P.W. Bunge, Jr. of Garwood, nieces and nephew, Loueva Halla Hatfield, Carl Bunge Halla, Alexis Bunge Eakes, Loris Bunge Evans, and Lada Bunge Lomax. Proceeded in death by his parents and Sister Carole Bunge Halla. Oscar grew up in Garwood, Texas a 5th generation Texan in the Nada Parish of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Oscar graduated from St. Edwards School in Austin, Texas and he attended Wharton County Junior College. He went into the family business of farming and ranching in Colorado County and later Wharton. Loved by many and a man that never met a stranger, he was affectionately known as “Big O” to those close to him. Struck early in life by polio it did little to slow him down. He enjoyed life to the fullest with cattle ranching, trail riding, hunting, fishing, playing dominos, traveling with his wife and spending time with his daughter, stepson and grandkids. Oscar was always ready to volunteer for any cause the church desired and participated in many organizations. Oscar served at several ACTS Retreats, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Lion’s Club & Volunteer Fire Department of Garwood, the Colorado County Fair, The El Campo Elks Lodge, and the Wharton County Fair. He was also proud to be a long time member of the Southwester Cattle Raisers Association and American Brahman Breeders Association. Oscar was active for many years as a distinguished Diplomat and the epitome of an International host--always travelling with wife Barbara on International trips for the International Committee, Commercial Steer Committee and Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Pallbearers: Henry L. Beken , Carl Bunge Halla, Keith Hatfield, Clay Mazoch, Larry Mazoch, John Poole, Chance Waligura, Jerome “Beaudroux” Waligura and Randy Waligura Honorary Paul Bearers: Korby Halla, Landon Hatfield, Logan Hatfield, Colton Mazoch and Brandon Scott Funeral services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com