Stephen Bunker by the Washington Post

Pilot Stephen H. Bunker, 59

Bunker and his wife, Sherry, had lived on the same street in the Lancaster neighborhood in Waldorf for 20 years. The retired state police corporal and father of three was well known and respected in Waldorf.

"If you looked at him, you would say, 'He just looks like a police officer,' " said Rose Marie Drish, 42, who has lived across the street from Bunker for 20 years. "There was a lot of peace here in this neighborhood because of him."

Bunker was a state police officer from 1972 until his retirement in 1998. He returned to service as a civilian medical evacuation pilot for the department.

He loved aviation and helping people, so "being a pilot for the Maryland State Police enabled him to do both," his wife said in a statement. During his career, she said, Bunker and his colleagues saved many lives.

"He was a hero to his family and all who knew him," she said. "He died doing what he loved to do."

Bunker's three children -- Stacie, Shelby and Scott Bunker -- said he was a fantastic father who will be missed by everyone.

"My father has always been a role model in my life," Stacie Bunker said in a statement. "He taught me to be honest, work hard, and keep life in proper perspective. He is truly my hero."

A viewing for Bunker will be tomorrow from 2 to 8 p.m. at South Potomac Church, 4915 Crain Hwy., White Plains. The funeral will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at South Potomac Church.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/01/AR2008100100014.html