Charles Raymond Dunn's Obituary
On April 12, 2004, Charles Raymond ?Ray? Dunn, son of Frank and Daisy Dunn of Longview, was called home to his Lord. Born April 1, 1932, in the home of his maternal grandparents, Vernilla Skipper Moore and Jessie G. Moore, Ray was raised in Longview, Texas near what is now Dundee Road at Ray Street. Ray marked the third generation of his family to be born in Longview.
After high school, Ray joined the United States Navy and served four years in the Korean War. Proudly serving on the aircraft carrier USS Point Cruz, Ray took part in Operation Platform and the ?10, 000 Men and a Baby? mission which was later made into a motion picture. When Ray received his Honorable Discharge in 1954, he attended the University of Houston. On the 2nd day of October 1955, he was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with Mary Anne Dendy, the daughter of Thomas and Martha Dendy of Houston.
In May of 1956, Ray began his career in the United States Postal Service.
Beginning as a clerk, he rose through the ranks as supervisor in various offices in Houston and Conroe, Texas. On June 22, 1974, Charles Raymond Dunn was sworn in as the Postmaster of Montgomery, Texas. In 1979, he was promoted to Postmaster of the Jefferson, Texas Post Office. On July 9, 1983 he took the reins of the Sulphur Springs, Texas Post Office where he served until his retirement on November 30, 1990.
Before his health began to fail, Ray was an active member of the community, his church, the Lion?s Club, the Boy Scouts, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, National Association of Postmasters of the United States, and the VFW. His longest and most active affiliation was with the Knights of Columbus. Joining in 1965 Ray served in several capacities including Seaman Missions, Ways and Means and Financial Secretary. Ray also helped in organizing the Saint George Chapter in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Ray enjoyed fishing, and was a diehard Houston Astros fan. He hoped every year, since the Astros were the Colt 45?s, that this would be the one that they went all the way. This years was no exception.
Charles Raymond Dunn was preceded in death by daughter, Mary. He is survived and remembered by his loving and devoted wife, Mary Anne and five children. Three sons, Stephen Ray Dunn of Marshall, TX, Mark Elliott Dunn of Cary, NC, and David Michael Dunn of Commerce, TX. Daughters, Cynthia Anne Cowan of Gilmer, TX, and Donna Marie Haydocy of Plano, TX. Twelve grandchildren also mourn his passing, Roger Cowan, Jr. and Curtis Cowan of Gilmer, TX, Tina Dunn Allen of Longview, TX, Amanda Dunn of Marshall, TX, Austin and Sarah Dunn of Cary, NC, Bailey, Mary and Michael Dunn of Commerce, TX, Jeffery and Andrew Turner of Plano, TX, and Isabella Haydocy of Plano, TX.
Mr. Dunn is also survived and missed by his two great grandchildren, Hailey and Hanna of Longview, TX and his older sister, Juanita Eddington of Longview, TX.
A rosary will be recited Friday, April 16, 2004 at 7 PM in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Rd. and Mass will be celebrated Saturday, April 17, 2004 at 10 AM at St. Matthews Catholic Church.
Interment will follow in Danville Cemetery.
The Knights of Columbus will serve as pallbearers.
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