Mardrue Bunton

Mardrue Dennis Bunton Jr., known to family and friends as "MD", passed away on September 20, 2019, at the age of 86 years.

A native of Austin, Texas, at the age of 10 years, he moved to Los Angeles, California with his mother Annie Bunton. In his youth, Dennis participated in Boy Scouts and Eastside Boys. 

Dennis attended public schools in L.A.: 49th and Main Street, George Washington Carver high and later John H. Frances Poly Technic High School. He ran long distance on the Poly Technic High track and field team and participated in football. He was the only one in his class to earn Poly letters in both sports and participated in the famous 1959 coliseum relays. 

After graduating from Poly Technic High School, Dennis joined the United States Army and served his country during the Korean War. Dennis enjoyed his commitment to his country and community. He also completed 8 years in the Army and Air Force Reserves and finished his service with an Honorable Discharge. After coming out of the army, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service and as a security officer for the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation.

On September 26, 1958, Dennis met and married a wonderful woman, Mary Bowling.

In the 1960's, Dennis began his law enforcement career with the Compton Police in Compton, California. He was the third African American officer hired to the Compton Police Department and progressed through the ranks. He later became the director and developer of the Compton Neighborhood Service Center, an agency supporting the legal needs of the Watts and the Compton communities. After great success with his leadership and programs he returned to uniformed duty as a Sergeant and finished his 30 years peace officer career in the rank of Lieutenant of Watch-Commander for Compton PD. While he had an continued commitment to the family and his Police officer's duties, Dennis completed his Bachelor of Political Science at Cal State in Los Angeles. Dennis served as security at his former church Bryant Temple, AME, Los Angeles, California, under the leadership of Rev. V.L. Brenson and First Lady Qunilne Brenson (National Black Officer Association members).

After retiring to Las Vegas, Nevada in the early 90's with his wife of 53 years, Mary Bunton, a beautiful woman of the Lord. He and his family joined Holy Trinity AME Church where he served several years as the president of the Sons of Allen under the leadership of Rev. Emmanuel Wasson and First Lady Juanita Wasson.