John Dunlap

John Bennett Dunlap, 78, peacefully passed away Feb. 4, 2012 at Kootenai Medical Center after suffering a head injury from a recent fall at home. John was born August 2,1933 in Bell City, Missouri to Truman and Orria (Dunlap) Haven. His mother passed away when John was only 15 days old and he and his siblings went to live with their grandmother, Myrtie Dunlap on the family farm. She legally adopted him many years later. John graduated from Bell City High School. He joined the US Navy in May 1952. He spent many years deployed on such ships as the USS St. Paul, USS Berkeley and the USS Badger. He served at duty stations in Korea, Germany, Hawaii, Great Lakes, Illinois and Fallon, Nevada. John also served two "in country" tours of duty in Vietnam and a tour in Okinawa with the Sea Bees. He received numerous commendations, medals and awards in his 30 years of service to our country, retiring In June 1981. John was married to Donna Pruhs March 10, 1956 and they had three children, Glen, Norma and Patti. Donna moved the family to Post Falls, Idaho in June 1978 in anticipation of John's retirement. John went on to work after retirement as a security guard for the Greyhound Park and as a hardware store manager at Helmers hardware in Post Falls. He volunteered his time tirelessly assisting veterans and all people in need within the community. His dream of building a new American Legion Post came true in 2006. John loved sports, gardening and fishing. He played softball and basketball, coached and refereed. He had dreamed of one day having his own farm. John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna Dunlap; son, Glen (Patty) Dunlap; Norma Blanchette (DarrylNealand); Patti (Greg) Surplus; six grandchildren, Jeremy Blanchette, Parry and Caley Dunlap, Matt, Brett and Christina Surplus; and eight great-grandchildren; and his beloved cat, Sparky. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Delmar Haven and his sister Della Gaulden. A private graveside service with military honors will be held at the Post Falls Cemetery with a celebration of John's life at the American Legion Post 143 located at 1138 East Poleline Ave, Post Falls, ID at 1 pm Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012.