Doug became my mentor when I was first saved in 1961.  I played a lot of tennis with him.  He was my youth pastor at the C&MA in Ft. Myers.  In 1971 he was my best man in our wedding in Memphis, TN.  I taught 5-6th grade English at ECS in 1973-74.  We stayed in contact through the years.  He was an incredible example of God's grace and as a witness.  Elsie was as well.  After seminary in 1989 I went as Dean/Pastor of ECS and worked with Doug that year.  I am convinced that God used Doug in significant ways in my life so that I would be a pastor for the last 32 years.  I did not know he had gone to be with Jesus last Sept., but when I tried to contact him at Christmas and could not make contact, I knew something had happened.  I am truly honored to have known him and to have had him as a mentor.  He is a forever friend and I look forward to seeing him again in heaven.  Yes, he was Dr. Dunn, but also my dear friend, Doug.  God bless his family and friends.  With dear and loving memories, Dr. Gary Merkel, Gary

How do we describe or measure the effects of a life truly, wholly committed to an infinite, loving God?

 For those who were blessed with knowing Doug Dunn, the memory of his personal gratitude to his Lord in all circumstances, his joyful eagerness to share Christ with all those he met, his quiet, enduring commitment to the path laid out for him by his Lord, will all come to mind.  And surely all these special attributes will be remembered, with thankfulness to God for such a life sent our way.

Yet, how do we measure the effects of these God-sent gifts in Doug’s life in our own lives and family?  (Doug would be the first to thank God for these gifts.)  As with many other parents, we were personally blessed by so very many rich experiences during, and beyond, the ECS years of our children.  We also see in our children today the effects of a school where high scholastic achievement was not only expected, but possible.  Yet, even more, we see in our children (and their children, ---), the spiritual effects of a Christ-centered faculty and staff led by Doug.  We know, without any doubt, that a personal, growing relationship with Christ for our children was paramount in the hearts of Doug, Elsie, and the ECS faculty.  For this, we are so very grateful.  

For some years now, we have also seen and are very grateful for the dedicated work of Doug and Elsie  as seen in the ECS principal and faculty, many being ECS graduates under their leadership. 

Perhaps others may, with us, hear these welcoming words of God to Doug: 

“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Guy and Donna Strayhorn


Dr. Dunn started ECS with a vision from God, he once told me. What an amazing vision it must have been, and what a great school it has become and 'evolved' to. I have so many fond memories of ECS and Dr. and Mrs Dunn. 

He was a fair administrator, a solid person you could look up to, and along with Mrs. Dunn, those two ran a conservative educational system that shaped thousands of youth's hearts and minds in Southwest Florida. I am very happy to be able to know this man, and the teachers he brought to the school to teach us academics, discipline, and about Christ. The lessons I've learned here I've passed on to my sisters, in my personal ministry, in the workplace, and to my children.

God bless you and your family, and thank you for fulfilling the vision that God has given you.

Sincerely,

Don Sausa

We have so many wonderful memories of Dr. Dunn and ECS. Thank you Dr. Dunn, for your faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ, and your consistency in sharing His gospel. We love you and you will be deeply missed. See you in Heaven.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15

Missie and Barbara Eshbaugh

I will never forget my high school experience at ECS, my 1st time meeting Dr. Douglas Dunn. He had a way of making you feel comfortable and at home with his kind spirit and loving heart. I remember coming there as a young man very shy and he would always speak to me and encourage me to get involved with school, I guess he could see that I was very shy. He would take it upon himself to speak to me everyday and ask me how I was doing, is there anything I can do for you little-by-little I began to come out of my shell with encouragement from him I became the schools 1st live mascot, the schools 1st pep club president, and most school spirited 3 years in a row. I thank him for showing me I could do anything I put my mind to it taught me to be patient with those around me and be nurturing as well. I will surely miss him for I am a life that was changed by his love and kindness thank you Sir. You are forever in my heart
Jesse Duke                 Class  1983 

I was hired by Dr. Dunn and his wife Else in 1978 and taught until 1985. Later I also subbed at ECS  a few times when my family was on furlough . Both he  and Mrs. Dunn were always so kind  to me during my years at ECS and the years following. I thank them for believing in me and allowing me the years of experience in teaching at ECS. Both of my children graduated from ECS and went on to graduate with honors at FGCU. I credit this to the stellar  Christian education they received at ECS. My son also met his future wife at ECS  and this year my granddaughter is attending Kindergarten there. 
Thank you Dr. Dunn for your vision for the young people of Fort Myers.

While many would have considered us competitors, we were really partners in serving CHRIST...he at ECS, and me, a "Johnny-come-lately" at Fort Myers Christian School where I was the founder/headmaster in 1979.  In later years we became tennis buddies, but true brothers in CHRIST.  I always admired him for his love for JESUS CHRIST, and his desire to spread the gospel even long after he retired.  He and I both loved the LORD, our kids and ministries at our schools, and each other. Well lived in preparation for eternity, Doug!

When I was a little girl, age four. I met Dr. Dunn in my neighborhood. Always seeing him riding his bike. Always visiting our driveway. He has always been so nice and sweet . When my family would visit his house. The first thing we would see and hear. Were the two dogs Molly and Missy.Molly was my favorite and Missy was totally Johnny's. When we visited his house. He would tell us a million stories about so many things. Some of the stories made us laugh so hard we couldn't breathe. He would always remind us of Jesus Christ. And would ask us every time we saw each other " How's school going" It was always great. I would have never been this close with God or have ever met my amazing friends. If he hadn't started this school. I don't know what would have happened .But most of all I would never had the memories My family spent with him. I will always remember him as the guy with BLUE eyes and blue shirt. But in my heart I will always call him Grandpa.

        I will miss you so much                                                      Jackie Ortiz 7th grade

Dr DOUGLAS DUNN  (Triple D) as he called himself the very first time we met 8 years ago,
  I was Dr Dunns neighbor down the street.
We instantly became friends,  his passion for Christ shined through immediately,  I HAD never heard of ECS,  He said  ,  If you would Ever want a Personal tour let me know,  he did not push with me,  but kept PLANTING the seed,  took me 2 years to  take that 3 HR tour  of ECS, he explaining the details when he had the VISION of the school and many many stories alongside DR Dunn and Angela Anderson, I knew in that moment this is where I want my children  to BE,  ECS 
  I will Never Forget that SPECIAL  day.
It would take me too long to express what DR, Dunn has meant to me.
 We shared Laughter, stories,  songs,  friendship,   heart ache,  losses   PRAYERS,  WE will miss him dearly,  he was a Beacon  to MANY.
I CELEBRATE his LIFE,             and All the Good memories that will be held close.
Prayers lifted  for Andrea and his brother and family

 It has been my pleasure to serve as Dr Dunn‘s pastor for almost 20 years. He was a great man of vision, character and compassion. His love for people came through and he shared his faith with neighbors, students, and a host of different people.   He shared with me many times the details about the founding of  Evangelical Christian school.  Through his various ministries he has influenced hundreds if not thousands of people.   Well done good and faithful servant. 

Doug hired me 28 years ago when I returned from missions work in Mexico. I intended to work one year only, but ECS has become like home to both me and my wife. He put up with my mistakes and my missteps. I recall being called into his office on more than one occasion for something that I did or said in class. He was always direct, polite, and willing to listen to my account before jumping to conclusions. He was a man of God from start to finish. He now walks with the Lover of his soul. Well done!!

Dr. Dunn always made me feel welcome at ECS, and introduced me as though I were the most important person in the room, when really, he was the  one who deserved honor. Thank God he stepped out in faith so many years ago, and that the end-product has impacted so many lives in Southwest Florida. 
Wonder if he's still wearing his t-shirts on the streets of gold?

Andrea Dunn (Kemp) and I became friends.  Her mom and dad invited me to church at McGregor Baptist.  Mrs. Dunn helped me in so many ways, but mostly to find Christ.  Speaking with Mr. Dunn last year he gave me a t-shirt and we spoke about his life and what ECS meant to him.  My son is a senior and I credit learning about Christ to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn.  They impacted my life almost 25 years ago.  They will be forever remembered at servants who helped people come to know the Holy Spirit.  Praying for Andrea ~ miss you girly!

Dr. Dunn and his family were friends of mine for many years. He hired me to work at ECS Preschool in 1978, and I retired from there 30 years later in 2008. His passion was telling everyone he met about JESUS! Among other events at Evangelical Christian School,  we enjoyed attending the yearly Auction/Dinner with his family, and close friends! He has suffered physically this past year, but has received the ultimate healing, with his Heavenly Father! He impacted many lives, and will truly be missed! Prayers lifted for the family!!


Such a wonderful man, many years ago when I was the only single mom at ECS he was so warm and welcoming to me and always told me how wonderful my daughter was doing every time he saw me. She graduated from ECS and now has her own family and her daughter is going there now too. Such a legacy he left. We went to Mrs Dunn’s funeral many years ago, so many of the new teachers  and students don’t know him but he was great to everyone ❤️🦋

I have such great memories of Mr. Dunn when I taught at ECS for 8 years.  He was  always an upbeat, encouraging man to work for.  He was a strong Christian that lived his faith.  He was a person that truly cared about the students that attended ECS.   He will be missed. 

OBITUARY

Dr. Douglas Dean Dunn

January 9, 1930 – September 28, 2018

Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery

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