Kenneth Dunlap

Kenneth Lee Dunlap, son of Richard Orville and Mary Jane (Matson) Dunlap was born May 2, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa and passed from this life surrounded by family Thursday July 7, 2022, at Greater Regional Health in Creston, Iowa at 88 years of age.

Ken was raised in Des Moines attending Lincoln High school where he competed in both swimming and diving earning State honors. After high school he attended Drake University before enlisting in the military. He served in the Army, Marines and retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service. He was stationed all over the world and served in both the Korean and Vietnam war. While serving he received a Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Korean and Vietnam Service Medals, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Medal, Air Force Longevity Medal and a very rare accomplishment of Good Conduct Medals from the Army, Marines and Air Force. While serving in the military he met his wife of 61 years Bonnie Mae (Drager) Dunlap. The two were married December 3, 1961, in Biloxi, MS. They were blessed with two children, Melissa, and Tracy.

After retirement Ken raised cattle and did custom hay baling while on their acreage outside of Osceola. The couple later lived in Orient, IA for 17 years and resided in Creston, IA for the last 5 years. He enjoyed hunting (especially duck), fishing, gardening, and working on cars and tractors. He was a skilled guitarist playing in clubs with friends in his younger days but carried his love of music through his whole life. He taught his family to work hard, but never take life too seriously. Later in life his greatest joy was his grandchildren. From their first steps to cheering them on at high school sporting events to watching them grow into adults, he was always there beaming with pride. He had the same joy when great grandchildren came along.

Those relatives who preceded him in death were his parents, Richard and Mary Dunlap, sister Judith Ann Dunlap, stepchildren Walter Swan and Robin Shaw, and parents-in-law, Arthur and Louella Drager.

Ken leaves to cherish his memory wife of 61 years, Bonnie Dunlap of Creston, IA, daughter Tracy (Mark) Hodges of Murray, IA, daughter Melissa (Mark Smidt) Catron of Des Moines, IA, step daughters Pam Church of Gulfport, MS and Lou Ann (Bubba) Cox of Brandon MS, grandchildren Hunter Decker of Murray, IA, Fisher (Tatum) Decker of Indianola, IA, Haley Hodges of Ankeny, IA, Josh (Tiffani) Catron of Des Moines, IA, Tyler Catron of Des Moines, IA, Christine Catron of Winterset, IA, 14 great grandchildren as well as other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 14, 2022 at Kale Funeral home in Osceola with family greeting friends from 5:00 to 7:00 Thursday evening.

Funeral services will be held at Kale Funeral Home, Friday July 15, 2022 at 10:00 am with Pastor Brian McCracken officiating.

Interment will be, Friday, July 15 at 12:30 PM in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force.

If you are unable to attend the service in person, a live stream will be available at www.kalefuneralhome.com on Kenneth tribute wall beginning at 10:00 am, Friday.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.kalefuneralhome.com