Don was born at home in Hoquiam, Washington on May 31, 1922, to Margaret E. and Howard Bunch. He was the 9th of 10 children. He served in the Navy during World War II after marrying Hildred M. Germain of Aberdeen.
They had 3 children, Donald Bunch Jr. of Ocean Shores, Diane St. Germain-Dewey of Olympia, and Barbra Rose of Tacoma. He had 4 grandchildren, Lanelle DeCaire, David Bunch, Lorraine Jensen, and Daniel Bunch; as well as 2 great-grandchildren, Jasmine Jensen and Serenity Bunch.