Harold Dean Dunning
March 29, 1942 – December 22, 2022
Harold passed away December 22, 2022, in Edmond, Oklahoma after a long battle with dementia. He was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, along with is twin sister Carolyn, and lived most his life in Kansas. Harold and his wife Kay moved to Edmond, Oklahoma to be near family in 2018. He graduated high school in Hoisington, Kansas in 1960, and college at Pittsburg State University with a bachelors and master’s degree in industrial arts education in 1965. His first 5 years of teaching were in Missouri: Lebanon, Otterville, Prairie Home. He moved to Erie, Kansas in 1971 and taught there until his retirement in 1999. He taught shop, drafting, drove a school bus, taught Drivers Education, and coached golf, basketball, and baseball. Harold loved being involved in the community. He taught Hunters Safety, volunteered as an EMT for the local ambulance, held local and district offices for Jaycees, and was member of the Methodist Church. He was active in the Erie Investment Club until his move to Oklahoma, serving as president for many years. He had a special passion in the survival of the golf course in Erie, Kansas.
Harold had many hobbies. He loved sports, whether it was watching or participating. He pitched years of fastpitch softball and always played golf. He was a huge Cubs fan, and loved watching high school and college sports live and on T.V. He is known for helping at the many Bean Day events including the 5K run or lining up of the parade. As an active member of the Erie Booster Club, he oversaw shooting off the cannon when touchdowns were scored at the high school football games. A huge garden was planted every year with many rows of sweet corn with much of it shared with friends. Hunting of dove, quail, and pheasant was an important family activity. And lastly, was the rescuing of many dogs and cats. He gave a home and veterinary care to pregnant dogs, puppies, and the dumped dogs and cats of the world with love and care to all.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents Roger Icen and Dottie Annabelle Rawdon Dunning, and a brother Donald Dunning. He is survived by his wife Kay Dunning, and two children Dotty Willis (Brad) of Edmond, Oklahoma and Steve Dunning of Olathe, Kansas. Harold has a twin sister Carolyn Teske (Leon) of Boca Raton, Florida and Pat Young (Don) of Gardner, Kansas. Five grandchildren: Madelyn Cloud (Cooper), Garrett Willis, Andrew Dunning, Trevor and Tristan Dunning (Twins). He has many nieces and nephews who were special to him.
Memorials requested to The First United Methodist Church in Edmond, Oklahoma.
A reception will be held at The First United Methodist Church in Edmond on Saturday, January 14th from 2:00pm-4:00pm.