Wilton Bernice Dungan

Wilton B. Dungan was born in Luling, Texas on May 13, 1926 to Arthur and Ione Dungan. He was given the nickname ”Boots” by his mom when he was a child and refused to come out of his boots at bedtime. At a young age of 16, his parents signed off on a March 13th birth date so he could enlist in the Naval service in 1943 and participate in WWII. Boots was an aviation ordnanceman for Navy Carrier Aircraft Service Units 16. 44 and 5 where he served in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946 and returned to his hometown of Luling, Texas.

After his return to Luling, Boots began working in the oil fields in the area. In 1952 he began work for a seismic company that took him all over North and South America. During one of his shifts in Guayaquil, Ecuador he met the love of his life, Susana. After only a couple of dates, which were strictly supervised by Susana’s nephew, Boots fell in love and promised a return to Ecuador to marry and bring his bride home to the United States. He and Susana traveled as required through his company. Through these travels they had their first born, Robert, born in Cochabamba, Bolivia, followed by a daughter, Hattie, born in Buenes Aires, Argentina. Their final two daughters Dalinda and Veronica were born in Texas, La Mesa and Quanah respectively.

After 40 years he retired and was able to focus on his wife where they traveled to Ecuador to visit family and then to Las Vegas for pleasure. They also continued to attend the Luling Watermelon Thump every summer. In 1987 he became a grandfather to Jesse, then Brianna in 1989 born to his daughter Dalinda and her husband Bobby. Later his son Robert and wife Kelly had Ashley and Chelsey, which made for four grandchildren. His grandchildren gave him 6 great grandchildren, Jaxon, Maverick, Jacob, Preston, Sylvia and Katherine.

Retirement allotted this great grandfather to stay physically active by routinely going to the local YMCA with his wife and riding many miles on his road bike. He participated in many organized bike rides in the Houston area, with the Katy Flatland tour being one of his favorites. His last bike ride was a 20 mile ride when he turned 90.

After his beautiful wife passed in 2021, his family poured their love and energy into keeping him engaged in life without the love of his life. His hometown of Luling reached out and his family entered him as the Grand Marshall of the Watermelon Thump parade in 2023.

Boots was a generous man, making donations to many organizations including, but not limited to National Law Enforcement foundations, The Heritage Foundation, Native American Children’s Fund, and the WWII National Museum.

Boots leaves behind four children and their families. Four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

A visitation for Wilton will be held Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598.

A rosary will occur Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598.

A funeral service will occur Monday, September 30, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church, 1612 E Walker St, League City, TX 77573.

A committal service will occur Monday, September 30, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Forest Park East Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598. Family and friends are welcome to wear navy blue in honor of Boots' service in the Navy.