Henry Melton "Buddy" Kunkle, Sr., 107, of Prosperity, SC, died Friday, January 31, 2025 at White Oak Manor, Newberry.

Born on April 1, 1917, he was a son of the late Thomas H. and Mattie Boozer Kunkle. He was married to the late Amanda V. Kunkle for 68 years.

Henry served in the 9th US Army Air Force in World War II as an engineer gunner on a B-26 Bomber. During his service, he completed 65 missions including the Battle of the Bulge and the airborne invasion of Normandy.

He loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and working the land as a farmer. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1977. He was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his sons, Henry M. Kunkle, Jr. and Thomas Willie Kunkle; grandchildren, Amanda Jean Caron (Josh), Matthew H. Kunkle, Kaitlin Desjardins (Joseph), and Frank W. Kunkle; and great-grandchild, Noah Daniel Desjardins.

Henry is predeceased by his brothers, J. Ellis Kunkle and Fred H. Kunkle and sisters, Kathleen K. Lester, Laura K. Fellers, Bonnie K. Foy, and Bettie Kunkle.

Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Jason Schafer at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Visitation with the family will be at 1:00 PM prior to the funeral in the church fellowship hall. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens.

The viewing will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Kunkle, Joseph Desjardins, Dean Kunkle, Frank Kiker, Josh Caron, and Kyle Vaughn.

Memorials are suggested to St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 4056 St. Luke's Church Road, Prosperity, SC 29127.

Memories and messages may be left on his tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kunkle family.