LTC Merwin C. Dunbar

LTC Merwin C. Dunbar, Jr. was born January 2, 1943 to Merwin C. Dunbar and Betty Stemm Dunbar in San Antonio, Texas.  He was an Army Air Corps and Air Force Brat growing up.  He lived in Germany during the Berlin Airlift. He attended University of Wisconsin 1 year on a football Scholarship.  Graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a B.S. in Political Science.  He had 1 year of graduate school under his belt when his invitation to Vietnam came.  He was a career officer in the U. S. Army for 23 years.  He was the second-most decorated in all of the Armed Forces in Vietnam-receiving 5 Silver Stars, 8 Bronze Stars with V device for Valor, 3 Army Commendation Medals with V device for Valor, 3 Air Medals, 1 Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star ( their equivalent Medal of Honor), 3 Purple Hearts, 1 Legion of Merit, 1 Combat Infantryman Badge. He retired from TDCJ in 2008.

He loved his family and his dogs.  He loves Jesus and now he is with him.  He was a member of Trinity Fellowship Church in Amarillo, Texas.

He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, sister, and a daughter.

Survivors include his wife, Kelly, of the home, his daughter, Carrie Cooper and husband, Richard of Converse, Texas, his daughter Ursula Hand and husband, Terry, of Abita Springs, Louisiana, his son, Ryan Dunbar and wife Vela, of Boerne, Texas, his son, Ian Dunbar and wife, Samantha, of Amarillo, Texas, his daughter, Haley Dunbar of Lockney, Texas, and his daughter, Shelby Dunbar of Amarillo, Texas, and 8 grandchildren.

There will be a private family scattering of his ashes at a later date.  Memorials are kindly requested to go to Paralyzed Veterans of America, PAWS Pet Adoption in Plainview, Texas or your favorite charity.