Donald Dunkin

Donald Dunkin, age 96, of Independence, previously of Versailles passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at the Villages of Jackson Creek in Independence.

It was on September 27, 1928, that Joseph and Dora (Anglen) Dunkin welcomed their son, Donald Eugene into their lives in San Antonio, Texas.

On February 25, 1948, he was united in marriage to Ethel Marie Sutton in Courtside, Arizona. Ethel preceded him in death on March 28, 2007. To this union they welcomed four sons into their lives.

Donald was a humble, God-fearing man who deeply loved his family. He found comfort in life's simple pleasures, such as warmth in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.

A skilled carpenter, Donald dedicated his career to the Carpenter's Union. His craftsmanship was evident when, at the age of seventy-two, he built the cabin where he and his beloved wife, Ethel, first lived after moving to Morgan County.

Faith was central to Donald's life. He put God first, starting and ending each day by reading the Bible. Over the course of his life, he read it from cover to cover 110 times.

Donald's greatest passion was fishing, a love he passed down to his family and friends. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors, gardening, and tinkering with his rose garden, even cross-breeding flowers to create his own unique colors. He took great pride in growing watermelons and tomatoes. His connection to nature extended to his conservationist mindset-his motto was, "Only take what you need, and leave it better than you found it."

Donald also loved listening to bluegrass and gospel music, savoring desserts, and telling stories of his youth. He was a gifted storyteller, and his humor and warmth will be cherished by all who heard his tales.

Later in his life he fell in love with a wonderful companion, Shirley Dunkin, and they were married June 5, 2008. As they got older and were in need of more care, they made the decision to move to Grain Valley in 2020 to be closer to his granddaughter, Angie and Shirley's daughter, Vickie.

Donald's life was a testament to faith, family, and the joy of simple pleasures. He will be deeply missed.

Left to carry on his legacy is his wife, Shirley Dunkin of Independence; a son, James Dunkin and wife Cheryl of Garnet, Kansas; a sister, Betty Jo Sutton of Tracy, California; nine grandchildren, Angie Halteman and husband Brad; Jamie Lo Piccolo and husband Nick; Emily Carney and husband Paul, Thomas Dunkin and wife Cyndy, Tiffany Dunkin, Derek Dunkin and wife Amanda, Dustin Dunkin, Matthew Dunkin, and Sara Beam; many great grandchildren; along with other relatives and friends.

In addition to his wife, Ethel, and his parents, he was preceded in death by three sons, Donald "D" Dunkin, Gene Dunkin, and Tom Dunkin; one brother; and five sisters.

A graveside service will be Friday, January 17, 2024 at the Stover Cemetery with burial following.