Ronald Dunbar

Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Ronald Dunbar

Ronald "Chief" B. Dunbar, 61, retired USAF Chief Master Sergeant, died Nov. 9, 2007, following a battle with cancer.

A Viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. at Liberty Christian Fellowship Church, 3195 Airbase Rd., in Mountain Home, with burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.

Chief, as he was affectionately known, was born Dec. 18, 1945, in Brazil, Ind., to Boone and Erma Dunbar. He was the oldest of five children and the only son. He attended Brazil Senior High School and graduated in 1964.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in December 1965 and proudly served his country worldwide.

He married his high school sweetheart, Julia, in July 1967.

Chief was a recipient of the Bronze Star and Vietnam campaign medals. He received the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. He received several other decorations and awards from his distinguished military career. He retired in January of 1991 in Mountain Home.

He made many friends while working at a local auto dealership, his family noted. Most recently he lent his talents to the United Parcel Service.

Chief was active in his community and served as a member and deacon at the Liberty Christian Fellowship Church. He was also a member of Andrew Horton Lodge #8.

"Chief was a warm and caring person," his family said. "He loved his family and pets. He especially loved children and took time to speak with them, with a benevolent heart and smile on his face.

"Chief did not know the meaning of stranger, as he was caring, generous and always willing to help anyone.

"A beloved son, brother, husband, father and friend he touched all who knew him," they said.

Chief is survived by: his wife of 40 years, Julia Dunbar; son Ronald, Jr., and his wife, Alison Dunbar, of Boise; his son Brian and his wife, Genevieve Dunbar of Kapolei, Hawaii; five grandchildren; his sister, Linda, and her husband, Marvin Utley, of Terre Haute, Ind.; his sister, Connie, and her husband, William Rowan, of Brazil, Ind.; his sister, Joyce, and her husband, Billy Vinson, of Brazil, Ind., and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Deborah Sue Dunbar.