Andrew David Bunten

Andrew (Drew) David Bunten, born December 11, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, surrounded by family after a long battle with Glioblastoma.

A resident of Saline County, Drew believed every person has a God-given talent, and his was working with children and serving others. In a local article, he shared, “Working with children came easy for me and children responded to me well. All I ever wanted to be was a teacher and find a better way to teach.”

Drew earned his Bachelor of Science degree in special education from the University of Central Arkansas and began his teaching career in the Pulaski County Special School District. After struggling to find good childcare for his two children, Drew opened The Learning Center (TLC) in 1984. TLC grew from one location to five centers across Saline County. Known to children and families as “Mr. Drew,” he touched thousands of young lives through his teaching and childcare work, creating cherished memories along the way.

Drew loved being active, whether running many miles each day, snow skiing, or hiking in the mountains. He coached his three children in baseball and basketball and started the soccer program that became the Bryant Soccer Club. He went on to coach the Bryant High School team, where both of his daughters played. His familiar words, “Don’t say you can’t,” captured the encouragement he offered along the way.

Drew also loved building furniture in his shop, fishing, snorkeling, cooking, and traveling.  He was always on the move, yet he approached life with a calm that those who knew him will remember.

Drew lived his faith by loving others well. From his teenage years onward, he put the needs of others before his own, offering his time, compassion, and practical help wherever he saw a need. Whether caring for children with special needs, supporting his family, or serving people too often overlooked, he treated each person with dignity and kindness. His family continues to hear stories of lives he touched, discovering that his generosity reached far beyond what they ever knew.

“Look, See, Do”—or “Looksidoo,” as he called it—was one of Drew’s nuggets of wisdom, and he lived by it. He saw people’s worth and responded with what he could offer: a meal, a warm blanket, wisdom, or a hug. To many, his love and compassion made him a second father. No matter the size of the need, Mr. Drew’s response was, “No problem. I’ll take care of it.”

He is survived by his wife, Leigh Angela Bunten; his children, Jas Keel (Stephanie), Laura Jackson (Farris), and Sarah Burres; and his grandchildren, Gabe Jackson, Madi Jackson, Katie Beth Jackson, Lynnleigh Jackson, Oliver Burres, and Sebastian Burres. He is also survived by his siblings, Bill Bunten (Naomi), Steve Bunten (Anita), Terri Guthrie (Jim), Helen Bunten, and Matt Bunten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Bunten and Elizabeth “Betty” Bunten, and his siblings, Dan Bunten and Eddie Bunten.

A celebration of Drew’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at New Life Church Saline County, located at 4200 Highway 5 in Bryant, Arkansas. Visitation will be held before the service at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Arkansas That God Sees and NLC Saline Missions Fund in honor of Drew’s lifelong commitment to serving others.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.