David E. "Dave" Dunn

David E. “Dave” Dunn

David E. “Dave” Dunn, 67, Hays, died Sunday, September 20, 2020 at HaysMed.

He was born April 7, 1953 in Pueblo, Colorado, the son of Wallace and Esther (Kisner) Dunn.  When Dave was an infant his father died, and his mother then married George Benish who raised him as his son.  Dave graduated from Thomas More Prep High School in 1971.  He attended St. Mary’s of the Plains College in Dodge City where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in speech and drama.  On December 29, 1973 he was united in marriage to Joan Giebler at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and they celebrated nearly 47 years of marriage.  He was a member of the Kansas National Guard, worked for the Hays Fire Department, and retired from the K-State Research and Extension Office where he was the computer technician for 42 counties.  His memberships included Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #6984, and the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly.  He was active throughout the community serving as Cub Master for Pack 131, Patrol Leader for Troop 101, chairman of the K of C Tootsie Roll Drive for many years, member of the Hays Public Library Board, president of the Hays Public Library Foundation, and on the advisory board for Catholic Charities.  He enjoyed dressing up as Sleepy the Clown for Special Olympics events, and had a passion for photography, which led to serving as a Kansas State Fair photography judge and hosting Photo Camp for the Extension Office.

Survivors include his wife Joan of the home, a son; Michael Dunn and wife Mary of Smithville, MO, a daughter; Laura Dunn and significant other Dustin Dechant of Hays, two brothers; Robert Dunn and wife Kwi Rye of Gunsan, South Korea and Donald Benish of Offerle, a sister-in-law; Deanna Benish of Kinsley, four grandchildren; Treighton Dunn, Molly Dunn, Marshall Dunn, and Damien Dechant, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers; Leonard and Leroy Benish.   

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with Fr. Nick Parker officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 12:00 noon until 12:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.  The Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:30 pm until 6:30, a vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a combined Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Friday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church or to the Cancer Council of Ellis County.  Condolences and memories of Dave may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

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