He enlisted in the Air Force in September 1958 and was Honorably Discharged on September 1, 1966. While stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska he met the love of his life, Joan, in January 1961. They were married on April 28, 1962, in Omaha, NE. On each anniversary he always claimed he almost had her trained. Their 64 years together were a true partnership in every endeavor.
After his discharge he and Joan moved to Fort Pierce, FL where he was employed as a Deputy Sheriff for the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office for one year. The next 10 years were as a Florida Highway Patrolman. Upon leaving the Florida Highway Patrol he was employed as an Investigator for the Florida Department of Corrections rising to the position of Deputy Inspector General until his retirement on June 1, 1998.
He received his Law Enforcement Associate in Science Degree from Palm Beach Junior College, Lake Worth, FL on May 9, 1973. He then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University, Miami, FL on December 14, 1974.
He joined the Knights of Columbus in February 1963. After serving in various State positions, he served as State Deputy from July 1, 1995 to June 30, 1997. He went on to become the District Master of the Fourth Degree in Florida for four years and was then appointed a Vice Supreme Master for four years over the Fourth Degree Districts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Puerto Rico.
He was a member of the Elks for 56 years and the American Legion for 30 years.
He was a loyal fan of Nascar racing and Florida State University football. He and Joan traveled throughout the United States in either their RV or staying in Resorts. He loved to cruise so much a total of 40 cruises were accomplished.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, sons, David (Lisa), Richard (Diana), Robert (Vannette), grandchildren, Breanna Wessel (Dan), Ross, Sophia, Matthew, Kirsten, Connor, great grandchildren Belle, Luka, sister Cathy Bashore (Don), and nephew Howard Dunn, Jr.
Predeceased by his sister, Sandra Dunn, brother-in-law Howard Dunn, Sr., stepmother Arlene McLain, and stepfather Mike Wingard.
A visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home at 3601 Old Jennings Rd., Middleburg, FL 32068.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 10:30 – 11:30 am at St. Luke Catholic Church at 1606 Blanding Blvd., Middleburg, FL 32068.
Inurnment for family only to be held with military honors on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
