Stephen Ray "Blue Beard, Beard, Steve" Bunch

Stephen Ray “Blue Beard, Beard, Steve” Bunch went to his heavenly home on October 2, 2026, at Parkview Regional Hospital at the age of 72.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Mexia City Cemetery with Reverend Michael Hensley officiating.

He was born on October 26, 1953, to Melvin Perry “Tince” and Jonita Bunch in Mexia, Texas where he would reside his entire life. They had two sons Stephen and Glynn. 

He loved playing pool and was good at it and would spend most of his time at the pool hall in the 1970’s. During that era, CBs were popular and Steve had purchased one and was looking for a handle for himself. One night while playing pool with Frank Duncan, Frank looked up and said “Beard…. Blue Beard” is a good handle and Steve loved it! The nickname would stick with him for the rest of his life. (Back then he had a blue tint to his beard, thus becoming Blue Beard).

He worked many jobs including one at Abco and Roofing, he was an excellent roofer. He was a kind man and would do anything for anyone, but he was also a very stubborn man to know him was to love him.

Steve loved animals and loved all his fur babies. He wouldn’t be gone from home too long because he would worry they weren’t going to be fed. He and Glynn would enjoy sitting out in their yard watching the cars fly by and yelling at them to slow down, so their babies would not get run over.

He loved it when Rita and Jennifer (cousins) told him they had found out more family history and where the graves were located. He enjoyed Westerns and Rock and Roll music.

He had a beautiful kind soul- full of love.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents, stepparents, grandparents, great grandparent and numerous other family members.

Left to cherish his memory are his younger brother Glynn Bunch of Mexia, daughter Christina and family; special cousins Rita Battreall, Jennifer Battreall and Cody Battreall of Mexia; niece Crystal Bunch and nephew Matthew Bunch, as well as other extended family members; special lifelong friend John Leslie Lansford; special neighbors Mrs. Vicky and the late Mr. James; special friends Michael and Holly Wagner and their sons Michael Jr. and wife Jayley, Dyllon and girlfriend Leighton.

Our family would like to thank Aylssa Gardea for being a wonderful nurse and for praying for and with Steve during his last moments.

A special thank you to Clarissa and Bobby for all you have done!

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to an animal shelter of your choice. 

Come as you are to the service.