Alvin Dunn

Alvin (Al) Newton Dunn, age 97, passed away on January 7, 2026. He was born on August 20, 1928 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the second of five children born to parents, Daniel Calvin Dunn and Sadie Simo-Dunn. The family moved to Sherman, Texas in 1940, where Al played football for The Sherman Bearcats, and was a diver on the high school swim team. He graduated in 1944. After enlisting in the US Air Force, he attended the Universities of Maryland and Colorado, while on active duty in the USAF, having served in the Korean and Vietnamese conflicts. Senior Master Sergeant Dunn retired after 24 years of continuous active service as a Public Affairs Superintendent in 1971, Denver, Colorado.

Active in Masonic affairs: Dunn served as former District Deputy Grand Master of The Council Royal Arch Masons; past Master of Joseph A Kemp Lodge; and earned many honorary degrees of The Knighthood.

A member of Floral Heights United Methodist Church, he served as Chairman of the Church’s Communications Committee, First Chairman of The Merle Anthony Preaching Series, and Chairman of The Wichita Falls District of Lay Speaking.

Mr. Dunn was a talented woodcarver, having won honors in carving shows nationwide. He was employed by Smith’s GardenTown Nurseries in Wichita Falls, as their Head Grower for 15 years.

Al Dunn was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Daniel, Neil and Jerry Dunn, sister Helene Dunn-Smith. He had a loving marriage of 61 years to Grace Geisert-Dunn who died in 2010, and their daughter, Jacqueline Dunn who passed in 1971.

Alvin is survived by his three children: John Michael (Mike) Dunn, Jill Dunn-Manly, Jennifer (Jenny) Dunn-Merrick and son-in-law Brad Merrick. Grandchildren: Eric Gattis and wife, Whitney; Amanda Cannon-Hollowell and husband, Chase; Megan Manly-Bowling and husband, Joshua. Great-grandchildren: Ali Massaro and husband Nick; Jacey Cannon; Dawson and Madelyn Gattis; Gracie and Luke Bowling; along with great-great grandchildren Teagan, Theodore, and Timber Massaro.

Services will be held on February 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm, at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Chapel, Wichita Falls, followed by interment in Crestview Cemetery, under the direction of Hampton Vaughan Funeral Directors. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Samaritan Fund at Presbyterian Manor in Wichita Falls, Texas, or to The Wounded Warrior Project.