James & Dorothy Bowker Gunn

James Williard (J.W.) Gunn, born in Idabel, Oklahoma, on July 16, 1918, died peacefully at his home in Colorado Springs on February 24, 2015, at the age of 96. Jim was married to his beautiful wife, Dorothy, for 73 years. Out of that union came four boys—Pete, Randy, Steve, and Doug, who were raised in Dodge City, Kansas, where Dad could be a cowboy. The family attended First Christian Church where he was a deacon.

J.W. had many, many friends who loved to hear the stories of his childhood—Jim was quite an athlete, competing in high school football, baseball, and swimming. We all heard of his stays at the 101 Ranch in Oklahoma, traveling in a covered wagon, and his World War II experiences aboard the Carrier Anzio in the Pacific Campaign. During three years at sea, he received ten battle stars and witnessed bravery as well as death.

While in Dodge City, Jim owned Gunn Motors, a Dodge & Chrysler dealership. Later he became Director for the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, lobbying for the betterment of farmers. Through this association, he became friends with Senator Bob Dole.

J.W. and his wife, Dorothy, were not only proud of their boys, but also their 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He never had daughters, but would not hesitate to claim his daughters-in-law, Sheryl and Rhonda as his own.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Swan Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade, Colorado Springs, CO at 11:00 a.m., March 6th, 2015. Burial will follow at Crystal Valley Cemetery in Manitou Springs along with a 1:00 reception at Holiday Village Mobile Home Park club house--3405 N. Sinton Road.

To honor J.W.’s legacy of giving, please donate as you see fit in lieu of flowers.

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DOROTHY BOWKER GUNN

This is not an obituary--it is a love story! Dorothy Bowker Gunn, 94 years old, passed away on March 3, 2015, 7 days after her husband, James Willard Gunn. A Celebration of Life & Love will be held for them at 11:00, Friday, March 6th at Swan Law Funeral Directors in Colorado Springs. Being married for 73 years, Dorothy & Jim spent most of their life together. Now, it seems only fitting to celebrate their entry into heaven in a dual ceremony.

Born in Junction City, Kansas, and raised in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Dorothy was part of the “Greatest Generation.” Growing up with her brothers--Jack, Freddie, Poncho and her sister, Joan, they shared many fun memories and laughed a lot. She attended Oklahoma State University for a time until she eloped to marry Jim in a $10 wedding. She never returned to school which infuriated her dad. Dorothy was a loving mother of four boys—Pete, Randy, Steve and Doug as well as two daughters-in-law—Rhonda & Sheryl. She was also proud of her 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Dorothy was a stay-at-home mom until the boys were old enough to know better. She worked as a secretary for the Ford County Extension Office in Dodge City, later moving to Hutchinson, Kansas, where she worked for Wesley Towers. One day she came home from work and found a “For Sale” sign in the front yard. A subtle way, I guess, for her husband to tell her that they were retiring and moving to Colorado. That was nearly 30 years ago. They have made many friends, both young and old, and loved telling the stories of the “Greatest Generation” to all who entered their door.

The word ‘positive’ was made for Dorothy. She never complained and did not appreciate anyone else complaining either. If you did, she would say, “What a beautiful day; let’s go outside and enjoy the sunshine;” even if it was raining.

A reception will follow the service at Holiday Village Mobile Home Park clubhouse.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.