Ralph A. Dunn  

Ralph A. Dunn, age 90, of DuQuoin passed on Monday May 3, 2004 at 7:50 p.m. at the Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin.
        A memorial service was held at the First Baptist Church in DuQuoin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2004 with the Rev. Bob Dickerson officiating with a number of invited speakers delivering the eulogy. Visitation was from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the church. Burial of the cremains was on Fathers Day of 2004 at a private family gathering at Sunset Memorial Park of DuQuoin. Ralph was a retired businessman and a member of the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate.
        Senator Dunn was born February 28, 1914 to Arthur and Florence Dunn in Pinckneyville, IL. He was the oldest of six children: Marion, Mildred, Margaret, James, and Olive. He is survived by his brother James of Pinckneyville.
        Ralph married Ellen Fones on November 18, 1935 and she preceded him in death on May 4, 1999. They had four children and a foster-son: Florence Dunn-O'Neal of Hilo, Hawaii, Jerry and wife Joann Dunn of Sunfield, IL. Catherine and husband Roger Sunnquist of Okawville, IL. Janet and husband E. Lynn Johnson of Evansville, IN. and daughter-in-law Marsha Coffel. There are numerous grandchildren and great - grandchildren.
        Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, wife, foster-son Danny Dunn, one brother and three sisters.
        Ralph and his brothers, Marion and James, founded Dunn Brothers in 1940 and continued successfully for many years. In 1968, Ralph found his calling to represent the public in politics, with his election to the Republican National Convention and the Constitutional Convention. After that, he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives from 1973 to1985 and then to the State Senate from 1985 to his retirement in 1995.
        He was active in local and state political, civic, and charitable organizations throughout his life. One of his favorite charities was United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Illinois. In the founding of that organization Ralph made many lifetime friends and touched many lives. Other organizations which were important to him were the DuQuoin Business Association, Southern Illinois, Inc., Lions Clubs, Masons, Shriners, and others. In recent years, Ralph's friends included those who reside at the Marshall Browning Estates in DuQuoin, IL.
        Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of the Sunfield United Methodist Church.
        Pyatt-Harrawood & Epplin Funeral Home of DuQuoin was in charge of arrangements.
