Gary Lynn Dunkin

Gary Lynn Dunkin

Gary Lynn Dunkin passed away on October 27, 2019 at his home in Orange County (Durham), North Carolina. Gary was born to William Arthur (Art) and Ethel Mae (Cline) Dunkin on February 18, 1935 in Franklin County, Nebraska. He was the fifth child born to Art and Ethel and had six brothers and four sisters. He was raised on numerous farms within Franklin County and attended school in Riverton, Nebraska, graduating from Riverton High School in 1952. After working for a period of time on the farm with his dad, Gary enlisted in the United States Army on January 13, 1954, was stationed in Germany, and honorably discharged on December 7, 1955. Five of the seven brothers served in the U.S. Military and their names are listed on the Franklin County Nebraska Veterans Memorial Walls: Delwyn (U.S. Army), Don (U.S. Navy), Gary (U.S. Army), Bill (U.S. Army) and Jim (U.S. Air Force).

On August 3, 1963, Gary married Marlene (Cheri) Randle and resided in California, while he drove for Greyhound Bus Lines. Family was always important to Gary and he especially looked forward to family holidays, celebrations and reunions. He hosted numerous Dunkin Family Reunions at his home in Pinyon Pines (Mountain Center), California and attended several Brown-Cline Family Reunions in Nebraska. Gary made friends easily, with his quick wit and affable personality. He had a way of making almost everyone feel at ease immediately. Gary was a fan of college football, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He and his brothers spent time as armchair quarterbacks critiquing different games during the football season. Gary also had a fondness of fishing and the great outdoors. He and his son, Bill, made many memories during their fishing adventures. It’s also important to remember how Gary loved playing cards, mainly poker and pinochle. Those games could get pretty loud and raucous with family members and friendly competition. There were a lot of laughs and good times, for sure.

Gary had a generous nature and demonstrated that in numerous ways over his lifetime, with his family, friends and the community. Gary was a member of the Indio Elks Lodge #1643. For years, Gary worked tirelessly for the Elks lodge and their fundraising efforts and other special events. He was well known and respected.

In August 2017, Gary and Bill moved to Durham, North Carolina to live closer to Richard and Sharon Reyes, Gary’s stepson and his wife. Bill, with the help of Richard and Sharon, devoted their lives to helping Gary in his last years.

Gary will be dearly missed by his immediate and large extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marlene (Cheri) Dunkin, parents William Arthur (Art) and Ethel Mae (Cline) Dunkin, and siblings Delwyn Dunkin, Don (Pat) Dunkin, Betty (Sis) Vollertsen, Shirley Hansen, Jimmie (Jim) Dunkin and Jon Dunkin.

Gary is survived by his son, Bill Dunkin, stepchildren Laurel Flynn, Rickie Lynn Marley (Reggie), and Richard (Sharon) Reyes. He is also survived by siblings Bill Dunkin (Judy), Jack Dunkin, Diana (Kay) Braden, and Connie Gipson, and countless nieces, nephews and cousins.

To follow Gary’s wishes, no services will be held. However, we will always remember Gary and the influence he had on each of us. He left us with many great memories, ones we will treasure for many years to come.

If you would like to remember Gary with a donation, please consider donating to either of the following organizations:

The Fisher House Organization at https://www.fisherhouse.org

Or, Wreaths Across America at https://wreathsacrossamerica.org