Robert L. Kunkle
July 19, 1922 — August 19, 2012
A graveside service with military honors will be held for Robert L. Kunkle, 90, of Granville, at 3:30 P.M. Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at Maple Grove Cemetery, Granville with Rev. Stephen J. Cramer officiating.
A wonderful husband, father, and friend, Robert died Sunday, August 19, 2012. He was born July 19, 1922 in Lorain, Ohio to the late Charles and Viola (Hughes) Kunkle.
A graduate of Admiral King High School in Lorain, Ohio, Robert joined the Navy Air Corps and became a fighter pilot during WWII. He returned to the Navy for the Korean War and was a flight instructor stationed in Pensacola, Florida. He continued in the field of aviation retiring in 1975 from the F.A.A.
Always a music lover and being brought up in a family of musicians, Robert spent the next 30 years refining his talent as an old time fiddler and guitarist. Through his many playing experiences and involvement with local musicians, Robert was instrumental in organizing the Bluegrass movement in Granville that is still thriving today. This began as a group of friends meeting at the Denison University Student Union and the Works in Newark, reaching out and mentoring young musicians in the community. This love of Bluegrass and stringed instruments offered Robert a hobby he truly enjoyed.
Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Gordon Schley of Newark; and granddaughter, Lindsay Renee Schley of Oakland, Calif.
Mr. Kunkle was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy E. Kunkle, who died August 30, 2008; brothers, Milton, Charles, and Allen; and sisters, Virginia and Lois.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday and 1 to 3 P.M. Wednesday at the McPeek-Hoekstra Funeral Home, 133 S. Prospect Street, Granville. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Licking County Humane Society, P.O. Box 933, Newark, OH 43058 or Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio, P.O. Box 430, Newark, OH 43058.