Gary Dunn created signs of the times around Wichita and around the world. He built signs for many national and international firms. His first $100,000.oo order was from Taco Tico early in his career. He also built signs for Pizza Hut, Rent-A-Center, Dillards, Residence Inns, Costal Mart, Best Western and many others. Mr. Dunn did not only build and paint signs but he also installed them but mostly he enjoyed working with the customers and sales. Gary would sit down with a customer and design a sign on a napkin, then go back to the office art room for a final design. The business was called Ed Dunn & Sons, Inc. until 1995 when it changed to Dunn Signs.
Mr. Dunn was president and CEO from 1973 to 1998 when he sold the firm and retired. Gary started his bout with cancer in December 2007 and lost this battle on March 21, 2011 at the age of 70.
Gary was born October 23, 1940 in Wichita, Kansas to Lewis Edward and Bessie Mae (Wasmer) Dunn.
His life of community service began as he joined the Eagles Lodge at age 25, and then in 1970 joined Wichita Masonic Lodge #99, Wichita Scottish Rite Lodge, and Midian Shrine. In 1997 he was elected to K.C.C. H. While a member of the Midian Shrine he joined the Motor Patrol where he and a life long friend Dave Johnson created the 1948-1950 Orange Jeepsters. These jeepsters can be seen about every week in a parade. Gary built 35 Jeepsters with the help from the membership. He was the first Captain of the Midian Shrine Jeepster Motor Patrol Unit and served as Captain in 1973 and 1974. Gary was elected and served 5 years as Midian Shrine Trustee, two times as a Potentates Aide, and was appointed to serve on Midian Shrine Divan line in 1988. He also was top Shrine Circus Salesman 18 times. In 1997 Gary was honored by election to serve as Potentate. He was the type of person who didn't mind voicing his opinion, but then he'd turn around and back it right up.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Lynn.
He will be remembered and loved forever by his wife, Judi; son, Garrett (Jerrie) Dunn of Wichita, Ks., daughters Candie (Jim) Atherton and LaDonna (Daniel) Kiser all of Wichita, Ks., Step-sons, Mike ( Mary) Gibbs of Conway Springs, Ks., Jesse Gibbs of Wichita, Ks.; Step-daughter, Judith Ann Dunn Jr. of Wichita, Ks; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brother in law Donald (Joyce) Clyne of Las Vegas, Nevada, and sister in law, Marcia (Eric) Shepler of Goddard, Ks.
Visitation has been scheduled for Sunday, March 27, 2011 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Old Mission Mortuary. A Celebration of his Life will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2011 at the Wichita Scottish Rite with burial to follow at Wichita Park Cemetery. A reception is scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Midian Shrine Center for family and friends.
Memorials have been established with Midian Shrine Plane of Mercy, 130 N. Topeka, Wichita, Ks. 67202.