Nov. 21, 1950 – Aug. 8, 2016

NATCHEZ — Services for Frank Kaiser “Buster” Junkin Jr., 65, who died Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, at his residence on Quitman Road surrounded by his family, will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Laird Funeral Home Chapel. 

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday, both at the funeral home.

Mr. Junkin was born Nov. 21, 1950, in Natchez, the son of Frank and Helen Harrison Junkin.

He was raised in Jefferson Street Methodist Church and educated in Natchez public schools before graduating in 1968 from St. Paul’s School in Covington, La.

Buster met his future wife, Shelly Simmons of Baton Rouge, on a deer stand when they were 12 years old. Seven years later in 1969, they were married, became members of Grace United Methodist Church and settled in Natchez. As their family was growing, Buster joined his father in farming concerns, managing Morville and Quitman Plantations. In 1981, he was awarded the distinction of being named Farmer of the Year for the State of Mississippi. He served on various state and local boards, but was especially proud of his affiliation with American Public Life, serving as a vice president and board member.

An avid outdoorsman, Buster enjoyed fishing and spending time on the river with family and friends on his houseboat, and taking family cruises. He earned his private pilot’s license at the age of 15, and spend many hours flying for work and pleasure. Buster was a people-person who made friends easily and valued each one.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Faye Junkin Hudnall and Ellen Junkin Saunders; and one granddaughter, Clarabelle Raye Junkin.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Shelley Simmons Junkin; one daughter, Stephanie Junkin Allen and husband, Glynn; three sons, Frank “Kyle” Junkin and wife, Mandy, Jeffrey Junkin and wife, Rachel, and Joseph Junkin and wife, Jessica; one sister, Kaye Junkin Schloemer; 16 grandchildren, Katherine, Jeremy, Taylor, Kieren, Brady, Ty, Miranda, Rebecca, Sunshine, Abby, Manny, Trevor, Justin, Jordan, Jason and Andrew; four brothers-in-law, Stuart Hudnall, Brack Schloemer, James Saunders and Alan Simmons; and a number of nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Allen, Trevor Glidewell, John Hudnall, James Hudnall, Jeremy Riley, Charlie Schloemer and Ty White.

Honorary pallbearers will be lifelong friends, Cletus Abernathy, Bubba Davidson, Cliff Fitzpatrick, Terry Guillory, Chester Hoover, Buddy James, Chip Junkin, Dick Junkin, Andy Lucas, Ross McGehee, Jennie McIntosh, O.J. Oliveaux, Larry Richardson and Bill Rives.

The family is appreciative of the excellent healthcare provided by the physicians and staff of Ochsner New Orleans, Fresenius Kidney Care of Natchez and Brookhaven and the many compassionate nurses and doctors offering care in recent years.

Memorial gifts may be made to Cathedral School Scholarship Fund, 701 Martin Luther King St., Natchez, MS 39120 or to the American Kidney Fund at kidneyfund.org.

Online condolences may be sent to lairdfh.com.