JOHN DUNBAR
Hopefully you have enjoyed some of the “Knowing Your Church Family” articles which have appeared in “The Christian” newsletter. Reading about our church members is one thing; however taking time to greet or visit someone you have read about will in itself be a stimulating experience for you. Certainly this is the case with John Dunbar. Many of you know him as the former Dean of Agriculture at Kansas State University; as the widower of Fran, who died just a couple of years ago (2006) and who was very active with the Do-Day Ladies; and that he lives at Meadowlark Hills, moving there with Fran in 2004. As with most of us however, it is the details that make John a very interesting person to know and visit.
John was born, raised, and educated in Lafayette, Indiana. He had only to travel a couple of miles to attend college at Purdue University where he achieves a BA, MA, and PhD. As an undergraduate at Purdue, John also participated in the ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Program) and immediately upon graduation and commissioning into the Quartermaster Corps, was accepted into active service. He was ordered to serve his first tour of duty in Alaska (tough assignment, John). He spent four years in the military, achieving the rank of Major, and transferred into the Air Force for his final year of active service. John and Fran were married in October, 1945 while John was still in the Air Force, and as you have already figured out, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before Fran died in 2006.
So after completing military service (the war was finally over) it was back to Purdue University for John. He completed his Masters and PhD programs and joined the Extension Department at Kansas State University where he eventually became Dean of Agriculture for his final five years with Kansas State. After retiring, he and Fran enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises (it helps when you have a daughter who works in the cruise-line industry). They enjoyed 22 cruises in a 10 year period! When asked what his favorite cruise was, he says that by far the best was the one to the Holy Land and the Greek Islands. “To stand where Jesus was born was just an awe-inspiriting experience,” John says with a tear in his eye.
If you get the chance to visit with this intelligent, charming and energetic man, be prepared to become very engaged while hearing some very interesting and fascinating stories. You should also be prepared to chuckle, laugh, and yes, also cry a little. If you would prefer, you can ask to read more about him in his memoirs. He has also just completed a book he wrote about Fran. Our guess is that you may want to read both of the books. Hopefully a copy of each will find a home in our church library. John, we are so happy that you are part of our church family.