1919
Walter
2011
Walter Charles Dunwoody
June 7, 1919 — February 20, 2011
Walter Charles Dunwoody died on February 20, 2011, after a robust and engaging life of 91 years. The cause of death was heart failure.
Born in Hamilton, Ohio, on June 7, 1919, Walter-whom everyone knew as Pete-grew up in Hamilton under the watchful eye of his parents, Louise and Joseph Dunwoody. He was the younger of two sons; his brother was Robert Dunwoody. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1937, and while working at the Hamilton Foundry, attended the University of Cincinnati.
Pete joined the military in 1924, and a year later, attended the Army Finance Officer Candidate School at Duke University. Another significant event in 1942 was his marriage to Fanchon Elizabeth Kapp on December 9. After several postings in the United States, he was assigned to the 8th Air Force in England as Finance Officer for the HQ U.S. Air Forces in Europe. He was released to the Active Reserve in June 1946. These wartime experiences were printed indelibly in his mind and remained fodder for vivid stories many decades later.
In 1950, now back in the United States, Pete joined the General Motors Fabrication Plant in Hamilton, Ohio. Six years later, in 1956, he transferred to the General Motors plant under construction in Marion, Indiana, as a cost accountant. He later became Superintendent of Material and Steel Control and retired from GM in 1982.
His marriage to Fanchon produced three daughters, all of whom grew up in Marion. After 33 years together, Fanchon succumbed to cancer in 1975. Two years later, Pete married Mary L. Salatka. They enjoyed married life for 28 years; Mary died in 2003.
Pete made a strong commitment to Marion as his home. He spent many years as chairman of the First United Methodist Church's Finance Committee and later served on the church's Board of Trustees. He also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Meshingomesia Country Club for 13 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Hamilton, Ohio; the American Legion in Van Buren; and the Aero Club in Marion.
Pete treasured his friends and built a lively social environment around a diverse array of neighbors and co-workers. He was known (for better or worse) as a consummate jokester, and reciprocal pranks were a hallmark of those relationships.
He is survived by his three daughters: Sharon Dunwoody of Madison, Wisconsin; Pamela Hodgin of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Lynn Maxwell of Winter Haven, Florida. He is also survived by four grandchildren.
Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 24, 2011 at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 25, at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Reverend Tom Mansbarger officiating.
Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park in Hamilton, Ohio.
Born in Hamilton, Ohio, on June 7, 1919, Walter-whom everyone knew as Pete-grew up in Hamilton under the watchful eye of his parents, Louise and Joseph Dunwoody. He was the younger of two sons; his brother was Robert Dunwoody. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1937, and while working at the Hamilton Foundry, attended the University of Cincinnati.
Pete joined the military in 1924, and a year later, attended the Army Finance Officer Candidate School at Duke University. Another significant event in 1942 was his marriage to Fanchon Elizabeth Kapp on December 9. After several postings in the United States, he was assigned to the 8th Air Force in England as Finance Officer for the HQ U.S. Air Forces in Europe. He was released to the Active Reserve in June 1946. These wartime experiences were printed indelibly in his mind and remained fodder for vivid stories many decades later.
In 1950, now back in the United States, Pete joined the General Motors Fabrication Plant in Hamilton, Ohio. Six years later, in 1956, he transferred to the General Motors plant under construction in Marion, Indiana, as a cost accountant. He later became Superintendent of Material and Steel Control and retired from GM in 1982.
His marriage to Fanchon produced three daughters, all of whom grew up in Marion. After 33 years together, Fanchon succumbed to cancer in 1975. Two years later, Pete married Mary L. Salatka. They enjoyed married life for 28 years; Mary died in 2003.
Pete made a strong commitment to Marion as his home. He spent many years as chairman of the First United Methodist Church's Finance Committee and later served on the church's Board of Trustees. He also served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Meshingomesia Country Club for 13 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Hamilton, Ohio; the American Legion in Van Buren; and the Aero Club in Marion.
Pete treasured his friends and built a lively social environment around a diverse array of neighbors and co-workers. He was known (for better or worse) as a consummate jokester, and reciprocal pranks were a hallmark of those relationships.
He is survived by his three daughters: Sharon Dunwoody of Madison, Wisconsin; Pamela Hodgin of Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Lynn Maxwell of Winter Haven, Florida. He is also survived by four grandchildren.
Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 24, 2011 at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 25, at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Reverend Tom Mansbarger officiating.
Burial will be in Rose Hill Burial Park in Hamilton, Ohio.
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