Michael J. Dunn

Michael James Dunn, (Mike), lost his battle to cancer on July 24, 2024, at the young age of 47. Mike was born on January 21, 1977, to Father Michael Dunn, and Mother Elizabeth (Liz) Lampsa. Mike was the youngest of three children born to Michael and Liz; the only son to carry on the last name Dunn. Born in Southern California, but raised between Las Vegas, Nevada and upstate New York. Mike had the best of both worlds from each corner of the United States.

In 1996, Mike joined the United States Marine Corps. Mike was the third generation Dunn to become a US Marine…. Something he and his family were so very proud of! Mike loved to put on his Marine uniform, serve his country and community at the annual Toys for Tots event. In 1999, Mike met and married Lori, his wife of 24 years. Mike and Lori have two children, Kyle (age 21) and Paige (age 18). Mike always wanted to be a father, knowing what his son’s name would be even before he knew the sex of his first child. Mike’s greatest moments were watching his kids on the pitch, playing soccer. He had fatherhood all planned out…

In 2008, Mike joined Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Mike was destined to continue his life of service, not only to his country, but to his community as well. Mike’s second love was being a Police Officer. His calling was to serve, a job he took very seriously and with great dedication. Mike joined the LVMPD Honor Guard in 2009, shortly after finishing his probation and field training. If there was one job on the department Mike took incredibly seriously, it was the job of wearing his Honor Guard uniform and serving the families of fallen officers in the line of duty. Mike took this honor with great pride, ensuring that the final ride for the fallen was in “his” pristinely clean, Honor Guard 1, beautiful truck! The Honor Guard is serving Mike with this same “pristine” treatment.

Mike is survived by his wife Lori, son Kyle, daughter Paige, daughter Haley, father Michael, stepmother Barbara, sister Danielle (Kevin, Josh and Jason), sister Amanda (Joe, Lola and Gunner), Mother Liz, stepfather Jay, brothers Henry (Tara, Brantley and Haylee), Stephan (Stephanie, Emmett and Ayla), Niece Taylor. Mike is preceded in death by his sister April (Taylor). In addition to Mike’s immediate family, he is survived by several brothers and sisters from the Marine Corps, LVMPD, Honor Guard, brothers and sisters-in-law, Aunts, Uncles, cousins and many close friends. Mike wore many hats and was known by many nicknames, “Daddy oh” to his children, “Gunny,” to his fellow Marines, “Wheels,” to his baseball family, “Joker,” to his military friends, “Mr. Mike, the cool dad,” to the soccer family, and “Jamie” to his immediate family. If you knew Mike, you loved Mike….it was inevitable.

Mike had many great loves and passions, none more than spending time watching Kyle and Paige play soccer. But, in his spare weekend time, he would be found on the golf course, fishing, camping, cooking, or looking to travel to the next great place. Mike was always on the go! Mike had a presence about him that attracted people, both good and bad. He always said he could find the good stuff while working patrol. Mike leaves behind a legacy of strength, integrity, courage, the greatest love for his children and family, love for the games of golf, soccer and baseball, and love of cooking up something he saw on the cooking channel. Although he is no longer with us in person, his wisdom, quick remarks, and spirit, will forever be in our hearts. We love you, Mike!

Semper Fi, Gunny!

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Behind the Blue at:

https://behindtheblue.org/donate-to-behind-the-blue/