Howie VanRensselaer of VanRensselaer and Sons Funeral Home in Randolph is used to getting calls with difficult news — but a recent one offered something uniquely tragic.

Acting as Cattaraugus County coroner, VanRensselaer was informed on Friday of the death of Vietnam Veteran Walter Luther Bunn, 74. Bunn had resided at the Gowanda Rehab and Nursing Center for 11-years, and passed away without any living relatives.

The more that VanRensselaer learned about Bunn, the more he felt compelled to make sure that his life would not end unceremoniously.

“Numerous funeral homes had declined picking him up,” VanRensselaer said. “There was a social worked I spoke to at the Buffalo (Veterans Affairs) Details Office. She had a file on this guy, because otherwise I would not have been able to fill out a death certificate. He was in a severe accident several years ago and had both legs crushed and removed and was a double amputee.”

VanRensselaer eventually came to find that Bunn was born April 11, 1945, in Jesup, Georgia, and served his country during the Vietnam War Era from Feb. 21, 1963, to Nov. 28, 1968, where he received commendations for bravery.

“It just resonated with me,” VanRensselaer said. “To me there is no higher honor than honoring someone who protects our freedom. He kind of paid the ultimate sacrifice. Just to think he was going to be kicked to the curb and have no service and never mentioned again, it just made me sick. I knew I had to do something for this guy. It kind of took on a life of its own. People were texting and calling me and asking what they can do to help.”

As word spread through social media and others heard of Bunn’s story, VanRensselaer was inundated with requests to help honor his memory.

Now, thanks to those efforts, a memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. this Sunday at VanRensselaer and Sons, 14 Church Street in Randolph. The Rev. Thomas Broad, Rector of Grace Episcopal Church in Randolph, will officiate. Veterans honors will be offered by members of the Randolph American Legion Post and the Randolph VFW Post, and Randolph Central School band director Cory Derrenbacher will conclude the service with the playing of Taps.

“It has just kind of taken on a life of its own. I know a lot of people and people wanted to help so it kind of grew,” VanRensselaer said. “After talking to the administrator at the nursing home, he was kind of quiet and to himself. But people liked him because he had an engaging warm smile. People really enjoyed the guy. They said he never had a visitor in 11 years, not one.”

VanRensselaer is also making arrangements to have Bunn buried at the Bath Veterans Cemetery, where he will be afforded full military honors and a graveside service.

“I have gone through the veterans national database and filed an application for the burial at Bath,” VanRensselaer said. “I’m donating everything on my end and others are doing the same. Every aspect of this will pretty much be taken care of.”

Initially, Derrenbacher thought that he might make the trip to Bath to play Taps for a burial ceremony. When VanRensselaer organized a memorial service in Randolph, Derrenbacher was happy to oblige the change.

“I saw it on Mr. VanRensselaer’s Facebook page,” Derrenbacher said. “I read the story and immediately–his passing obviously was unfortunate and then when I read further I was just like, this man needs a proper burial. First and foremost I commend Howie. When I read that several other funeral homes had declined of course Howie, who is very gracious, took this on.”

Derrenbacher cited the story as an example of the positive potential of social media, and the admirable character of Randolph community members.

“If they need a Taps player I will absolutely go to Bath,” Derrenbacher said. “It is incredible that a small community can rally. This isn’t the first time Randolph has done it and it won’t be the last time. We have to take care of our veterans and see they are taken care of when they pass. It is an honor he should have, and be laid to rest with the appropriate ceremonies.”

Bonnie Pfleuger, a social worker, said Bunn will be missed at the Gowanda facility.

“Walt was a very private person but he also enjoyed socializing with staff,” Pfleuger said. “He was a stickler about not wanting to drink too much water but it gave him great pleasure to purchase multiple bottles of Coca-Cola from the vending machine on a daily basis. Though he did not have any family, he became part of our family at Gowanda Rehab and Nursing and will be sadly missed.”