Arthur Conrad Dunlap Jr.

Arthur Conrad Dunlap Jr., age 69 of Bradenton, Florida, departed this life on July 6, 2025 after a brief illness. He was attended by family during his passage. Mr. Dunlap was born February 1, 1956 to Arthur C. and Phyllis Dean (Lambert) Dunlap of St. Louis, Missouri. In 1960 his family relocated to Bradenton.

He was a 1974 graduate of Southeast High School in Samoset, Florida. While there he participated in Chorale, and enjoyed creative drawing and sketches—an avocation that followed him later in life. From early childhood, he was affectionately known as “Sparky” to his family and friends, due to his initials lining up with the AC Delco brand of spark plugs.

After graduating high school, Sparky joined the United States Navy and in his term earned his third stripe as senior apprentice class Seaman (E-3) with Fireman and transport driving certifications. After his discharge from the Navy he returned home to make his life in Manatee County.

In his later years, he curated a remarkable assembly of collectible Teddy Bears, figures and dolls—including some family heirlooms. He had also built a modest but substantial library of 1970s musical standards—capturing the zeitgeist of the decade. His core lifelong faith was Methodist, and his association was through the historic Manatee Methodist Church.

Mr. Dunlap is preceded in death by his parents Arthur C. (Art) and Phyllis Dunlap Sr. He is survived by his younger brother Mark V. (Debby) Dunlap of Samoset, Florida, as well as a number of extended relatives.

Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home of Oneco provided the arrangements. Gravesite services and interment were on Saturday, July 12, 2025 beginning at 10 AM in Manasota Memorial Park, Bradenton, Florida.