Richard Dale Dunn, known to all as Dale, passed away on June 14, 2026, at Lee’s Summit Medical Center. He was born January 9, 1937, in Clinton, Missouri, to William Richard and Bessie Dunn.
Dale started his education by attending Camp Branch grade school through the eighth grade and then graduated from Clinton high school in 1954 followed by two years at the University of Missouri studying agriculture.
In 1959 Dale joined the Missouri National Guard where he was active until 1965, attaining the rank of E-6 Staff Sergeant.
In 1961, he married Dorothy Simpson in Higginsville, Missouri, beginning a life together rooted in faith, family, farming, and the community they both called home. Their marriage was blessed with three children including Kendal, Rodney, and Jana.
At a young age, Dale dedicated his life to his Savior, Jesus Christ while attending Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he was very active as Sunday School Superintendent, Church Treasurer, and was an Elder until the closing of the church in 2006. At that time Dale and Dottie became active members at the Clinton Methodist Church. Dale enjoyed the Christian fellowship, the guidance provided in Sunday School classes, and was reminded of what it all meant every Sunday while admiring the large cross in the beautiful sanctuary.
Farming was not simply Dale’s occupation; it was his life’s work and one of his great passions. For 62 years, he managed the family farm raising grain crops and cattle on land that has been in the Dunn family for 5 generations. Dale farmed alongside his father in the early years and continued the family tradition with deep pride and dedication. He and Dottie lived on the farm throughout their married life, beginning in what the family fondly remembers as a “three-room shack” before building the home where Dale lived until his death. Early in his farming career, he was recognized with a Young Farmers of America award.
Throughout his life, Dale gave generously of his time to the community. He was a past member of the Sherwood School Board, a past member of the Hopewell Cemetery Board, a past President and one of the original founders of the Urich Community Historical Society and served for many years on the Urich Reunion Committee. He also volunteered at the Samaritan Center in Clinton, where he was active in the backpack food program for children.
Dale had a special place in his heart for preserving local history and supporting community traditions. From the beginning, he helped run the Urich Community Historical Society ice cream booth at the Urich Reunion. Over the years, he helped gather donations, scooped ice cream, and eventually handled the till — doing his part to keep a beloved community tradition going.
Dale enjoyed playing pitch and was part of a monthly card party group that met for 50 years. Dale had many hobbies including the craftmanship of woodworking, collecting toy tractors, and also enjoyed designing, building, and operating his model train display.
To those who knew him best, Dale will be remembered as person who was always giving back to his community.
His family will always remember his strong faith, his love of family, and the enjoyment he got of being on the farm. Some of the most special memories Dale talked about were times spent with family and friends at the hunting cabin on their farm.
He is survived by his wife, Dottie Dunn of the home; his son, Kendal Dunn and wife Kathy of Boonville, MO; his daughter, Jana Dunn and husband Darren Stults of Kansas City, MO; his daughter-in-law, Brenda Dunn Drury and husband Doug Drury of Oak Grove, MO; grandchildren, Sierra Hays and husband Taylor of Denver, CO; Carson Dunn of Columbia, MO; Trevor Dunn and wife Carmen of Hattiesburg, MS; Jeremy Dunn of Clinton, MO; and Corey Dunn of Urich, MO. Dale was expectantly awaiting his first great-grandchild, Anslee Kay Hays, joining the family in October.
He was preceded in death by his son, Rodney Dunn, in 2006; and his parents, William Richard and Bessie Dunn.
Visitation was held Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri, with funeral services following at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed at Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, Missouri.
Memorial contributions may be made to Show-Me Christian Youth Home. Condolences may be left online at www.bradleyhadley.com.
