Kenneth Virgil Dunn

Kenneth Virgil Dunn, age 91, passed away on March 21, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona surrounded by his family. Kenneth was born October 2, 1930 in Rock Falls, Illinois. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Virgil and Frances, his brother Charles, and Charles’ wife, Sue.

Ken was a self-made man, joining the US Navy at age 17. He spent eight years in the Navy, and played football as a featured star on the Navy football team. He flew an aircraft as a Gunner during the Korean War, participating in both search and destroy, as well as, rescue missions.

Later, leaving the US Navy and joining the US Air Force, he attained the rank of Sergeant and taught electronics. Electronics was relatively new to the radar systems of the Air Force and he trained new recruits in this electronic specialty. He became known as an expert in this field.

His experience in electronics served him well. When he left the military, he gained employment repairing card readers for Cleary Corporation and then with Honeywell, as an instructor in card reader repair. His employment with Honeywell brought him and his family to Arizona in 1972 where he resided for the rest of his life.

After leaving Honeywell, Ken was self-employed. He took up real estate for a short while, then Ken trained to be a tax preparer, opening his own business, Ken Dunn’s Tax Service. Ken worked as a tax consultant until he was 84 years old, finally selling his business in 2014.

Ken and Dixie met in 1954 in Beloit, Wisconsin. They met at a local skating rink, started dating, and eventually became engaged. Ken was stationed in California and Dixie moved to California to take a job and be closer to Ken. They were married on July 20, 1956 in a small ceremony witnessed by two of their best friends, and later would stand as witnesses at their friends’ weddings.

Their first of five children was born in 1957 and the couple would often go hunting and camping throughout Colorado, where they resided. As the family grew, they would take all the kids along with them on their camping and hunting trips. The outdoors truly became a family affair. This love of the outdoors was passed down to the kids who still love to hunt, fish and camp whenever they can.

On their 56th wedding anniversary, Ken wrote a poem for Dixie:

“I don’t drink, smoke or tobacco chew,

Or go with girls who do!

56 years ago I met Dixie; She didn’t drink smoke or tobacco chew… So I asked her to say “I DO!”

The poem pretty much sums up Ken’s sense of humor. He was always joking with his kids, and the people he loved, with his classic “dad” humor.

After Ken retired, he enjoyed golf, taking long walks and making friends along the way, fishing and camping with his children, and playing with and teasing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ken was a dedicated Christian, bringing his family to church every Sunday and living his life by example as a faithful follower of Jesus. During his hospitalization, he would read Psalm 91 and seemed to gain comfort and strength from doing so.

We ask that in your time of personal reflection you would read and meditate on this Psalm, as you remember our loving dad.

Psalm 91:1, 10-11 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. No harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent, for He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

Ken is survived by his wife Dixie, his children: Rocky and his wife, Pati; Candice; Shane and his wife, Joyce; Perry and his wife, Joanne; and Toby and his wife, Missy; his youngest brother, Tom and his wife, Beami; ten grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and step-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 W. Beardsley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85027, followed by a Military Honors and Committal Service at 1:00 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com for the Dunn family.