Gary "Doc" Dwain Dunkin

Gary “Doc” Dunkin passed away at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS, on Monday, March 4, 2019. He had been a patient there for two weeks.

Gary Dwain “Doc” Dunkin was born in Unionville, MO, on January 20, 1958, the son of Trulan and Betty (Roberts) Dunkin, who preceded him in death. Doc was proud to be a lifetime resident of Putnam County. He attended elementary school at West Putnam and graduated in the class of 1976 from Unionville High School. Doc remained friends with many of his high school classmates. Doc worked for Davis Chevrolet while in high school. Upon graduation he started his life long career on the family farm, raising livestock and row cropping. He also enjoyed his work for Mike Norris on sale days at the Unionville Sale Barn and traveling many miles hauling livestock for various farmers. Doc had a brotherly relationship with Mike, as they spent a lot of time together. Doc was elected to serve as a County commissioner in November of 2000. Prior to serving as a commissioner for four years, he served many years on the Jackson township board. Doc was currently serving as a board member of the Putnam County MFA Exchange.

Doc lived life to the fullest. He love spending time with family, friends and his fur companion “Trump.” The majority of time, whether it be boating, camping, west-end 4-wheel riding or making his usual trip to town, was spent with his wife Karla. Doc enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their many activities, exploring new places and things, and relating with his friends. His favorite Saturday morning past time was spent watching the antique tractor auction on RFD TV. Doc’s day was not complete without making phone calls to visit and torment friends; he had an ornery side that everyone loved.

The Missouri State and Putnam County Fairs were favorite activities for Doc. He enjoyed camping, spending time at the Hacienda with many friends, and watching his kids, grandchildren, and friends show livestock at the fairs over the years. He was a fan of going to KC Royal games, watching the KC Chiefs, and following Putnam County Midget sports.

Doc was united in marriage to Karla Thompson in Kirksville, MO, on January 7, 1995. Doc and Karla spent their married life together on the family farm along with children Stephanie, Lacie, and Reggie, operating their cow/calf herd and harvesting crops. Doc is survived by his wife Karla and fur companion “Trump” of the home. He is also survived by children Stephanie Dunkin of Unionville, MO, Lacie (Trent) Jones of rural Lucerne, MO, and Reggie (Kaitlyn) Dunkin of Maryville, MO, as well as five grandchildren, Dillion and Riley Jones, Triger Robbins and Trulan “Slade” McElroy, and Jaxon Dunkin; his brother Jack (Linda) Dunkin of Unionville; father and mother-in-law Rodger and Eleanor Thompson of Cainsville, MO; brother-in-law Brien Thompson of Cainsville, MO; four nieces, Karen Dunkin, Christine Dunkin, Shannen Thompson, and Ashten Thompson; three great nieces and two great nephews. Multiple uncles, aunts, cousins, and many close and dear friends, whom he considered as family, also survive.

Funeral services for Doc Dunkin will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville on Monday, March 11, 2019, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 10. Interment will be at the West Liberty Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the West Liberty Cemetery or the Putnam County Fair Jr. Livestock program.