David A. Dunnie

David was born on March 28, 1950 in Massillon, Ohio to Andrew and Jeanette Dunnie. He was the oldest of four and at a young age showed great aptitude in math and engineering.

After high school, he continued his education at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio where he met his “sweetie,” Joy, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1972. He was immediately hired by General Motors’ Central Foundry Division in Defiance, Ohio. Shortly after the move, Joy and David were married in February of 1973.

Longing for a warmer climate, Joy and David moved to Houston, Texas in 1973 during the oil boom, finding employment with Gray Tool and Baker Hughes. After seven years in Houston, they moved a few hours north to Arlington, Texas for David to take a job with United Technologies.

Deciding it was time to start a family, their oldest daughter Katherine was born in June of 1985. But David's employment was short-lived and they found themselves moving further north to Tulsa, Oklahoma where, in 1987, their second daughter Mary was born.

Being a daddy was natural for David. There were heaps of Barbie toys to put together, swing sets to construct. His favorite moments were shared on Halloween, taking the girls trick or treating to find the neighborhood’s best candy. David’s love language was always acts of service. He enjoyed having his girls close, yet gave them their freedom.

The next 30 years at American Airlines swiftly passed. Combining his passion for space and air travel, David found a “work home” in the industry, forming friendships along the way.

On behalf of David and his family, we send our sincerest appreciations for the outpouring of support and love, whether it be through a call, message, a visit or delivery of food. To the “pool group” who we share many special memories, the many employees of American Airlines, and the supportive team of women at Bethany Community School, we say, “thank you.”

We also express our thanks to the tireless doctors and nurses of Saint Francis Hospital who, through knowledge, strength and love, offered David an exceptional level of treatment and care necessary to afford us four wonderful weeks with David.

To the care workers, doctors and nurses of Saint Francis Hospice, thank you for treating David with the dignity, compassion and care amid the most challenging situations. You sat by our side in the middle of the night offering compassion and love as if he were your own father, brother, son. We are forever thankful to have shared those moments with you, caring for David and making his time at home a joyful experience.

We thank our loyal and loving family, David and Deb Hummel, and Jon and Martha Hummel. They traveled to Tulsa without hesitation, crossing state lines and driving through the night, to be with David and our family. We hold you close in our hearts for offering your unconditional love and support during the most trying of times.

Finally, we appreciate our immediate families, all of David’s sisters and brothers, whether by blood or by love. As difficult as it is to let go, David’s life mission has been accomplished, only to be renewed once again.

David is survived by his wife of 42 years, Joy, daughters Katherine and Mary, sister Diane Weisman, brothers Larry and Steve Dunnie, brothers by love David Hummel, Jon Hummel and their wives Deb and Martha, respectively, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members.