Robert (Bob) Bunting, chairman of Bunting Magnetics and a key figure in the company’s growth into a global supplier and manufacturer of magnetic solutions, died Tuesday, June 17, surrounded by family. He was 76.
Bunting, headquartered in Newton, Kan., is a family-owned company founded in 1959 by Walter Bunting. Bob Bunting, Walter’s son, led the company for nearly three decades, overseeing its expansion into international markets and the diversification of its product lines during his tenure as president and CEO.
“My father dedicated his life to this company,” said Robert Bunting Jr., Bob’s son and current president and CEO of Bunting. “He was a tireless worker whose vision and determination shaped Bunting into the company it is today. He held high standards and pushed us to be our best, but those who knew him understood it came from a place of deep care—for the people who worked here and the future he was building for all of us.”
Under Bob Bunting’s leadership, the company expanded its global footprint, establishing operations in the United Kingdom, China and Australia, along with additional facilities across North America. He preserved Bunting’s identity as a family-owned business while championing innovations that positioned the company as a trusted partner to manufacturers and producers across a broad range of industries worldwide.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Bob Bunting was deeply committed to giving back to the community. He and his family consistently supported charitable, educational and civic initiatives across Newton and the surrounding region. Their longstanding support included the United Way, the Newton Public Library Foundation, and the regional YMCA project. In recognition of their leadership and generosity, Bob and his wife, Barbara, were honored as Philanthropists of the Year by the Newton Public Library Foundation and acknowledged by the Central Kansas Community Foundation.
Bob also believed strongly in supporting Bunting employees and their families. Under his guidance, the company established the Walter F. and June A. Bunting Memorial Scholarship Fund to help the children of employees pursue higher education. Whether through public gifts or quiet contributions, Bob’s commitment to community reflected his deep belief that strong companies are built by strong, supported people.
Bob Bunting’s legacy continues through the company he helped shape, the community he championed, and the people whose lives he touched along the way. His vision, generosity and belief in hard work will continue to guide Bunting for generations to come.
