Donnie Gene Dunn

How do you say goodbye to your hero, mentor, teacher, and coach, because that is what Don Dunn was? He was our example, through the good times and bad. You could look to him for the best path on how to navigate whatever obstacles came. His strength, work ethic, moral compass, and love always showed the way. He was quick to good nature, resolution, and getting on with fixing things. He spent his life fixing things; he was a mender, a healer, a mechanic. His calloused hands were quick to hug, and his generosity was one thing he was never out of. His voice carried over long and short distances equally effectively whether a ball park or court to a living room to motivate and nurture.

Don Dunn was a blessing, our wonderful blessing. He was born in 1949 in Goodthunder, Minnesota to George and Sally and later moved to Bridgeport, TX. While in high school, he met Debbie, and his life took on a new meaning. He saw his future in her. The two quickly formed a life together, got married (after dating for only 3 months, we said quickly), and welcomed their first child Laurie to the world a mere nine and a half months after their wedding. About five years later Don and Debbie had their first son, Jason. Two years after that they had their second son, Steven. The two thought their family was complete, until Kimberly showed up as a surprise eight years later.

Throughout his life, Don was a proud and hard working man spending much of his life on oil derricks or in machine shops tearing down and rebuilding air compressors, cars, or anything mechanical. Don felt in his element in two places: his home surrounded by his family and in a garage with tools in his hands. These made sense to him.

Don Dunn is survived by his wife of 52 years, Debbie; daughter Laurie and her husband Toby with their children Joey, Katie, Brady, and Cody; son Jason and his wife Amie with their children Hunter, Maddie, Allie, and Dalton; son Steven and his wife Laura with their children Jackson and Audrey; and daughter Kimberly and her husband Micah with their children Elwood, Otis, and Arlo; his brother Ronnie and wife Carolynn of Bridgeport, TX; sister Annabelle and husband Charlie of Azle, TX; brother Dickie and wife Reba of Bridgeport, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father George, mother Sally, and brother Rickie.

Don with his wife, four children and spouses, and thirteen grandchildren was the example of living and loving. And if that wasn't enough, he even checked up on his mother-in-law Laura Kelsey regularly. He was always guided with and by love, which should be an example for all of us. We will miss Papa forever, but he gave us so many wonderful memories to help carry us through the rest of our days.

*Due to COVID and differing views on vaccinations, the family is requesting masks to be worn throughout the service. Additionally, there will be no wake or reception due to COVID, but the family greatly appreciates you celebrating Don.

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