David Dunham

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

David Owen Dunham

July 24, 1946 - July 25, 2022

BENNINGTON, Kan. — David Owen Dunham, age 76, of Bennington, passed away Monday, July 25, 2022, in Bennington.

Dave was born July 24, 1946, in Los Angeles County, Calif., to parents, Robert and Winifried (Spies) Dunham.  Dave was raised by his loving guardians, Gene and Ruth Kruger.  

Dave graduated from Elkhorn High School in Elkhorn, Neb., with the Class of 1964.  While in high school, he was active in track and football, earning both an academic and football scholarship to further his education at Doane College in Crete, Neb.  Dave completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969 and was a member of Phi Alpha Theta at Doane.  

David married Cathy (Ward) Dunham on Jan. 28, 1980 in Las Vegas, Nev.  The couple was blessed with three sons: Jeremy, Nathan and Joshua. Dave enjoyed a rewarding career in education, teaching and coaching at Bellevue High School, McCook High School, Scotts City High School, Guymon High School, Salina South High School and Bennington High School, before retiring in 2009. He also ran a successful lawn care business, Dunham’s Lush Lawn, until the time of his passing.  

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and his guardians; brother, Danny Emley and sister-in-law, Glenda Ward.        

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife, Cathy Dunham of Bennington; children, Jeremy Dunham, Nathan Dunham and Joshua Dunham, all of Salina, Kan.; siblings, Richard (Debra) Dunham of St. Petersburg, Fla., Jim (Mary) Kruger of Stayton, Ore., John (Liza) Kruger of LaVista, Neb., Jerry (Corina) Kruger of Omaha, Neb., and Joe (Peg) Kruger of North Platte, Neb.; brother-in-law, William Ward of Palisade, Neb.; sisters-in-law, Cindy (Tom) Monnahan of Palisade, Cheri Ward of McCook, Neb., and Dwana (Edward) Flaig of Palisade; granddaughters, Hailey, Heidi and Madison; and numerous nieces and nephews.   

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested in Dave’s name for future designation and may be directed to Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, c/o the Dunham Family, P.O. Box 476, McCook, NE 69001. 

Visitation, with family present to greet friends, will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, at the Palisade Methodist Church in Palisade with Pastor Elias Mukindia officiating.

Burial will follow in the Palisade Cemetery, Palisade.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.