Donnell Lynn Dunn

Donnell L. Dunn, 81, of Terre Haute, passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2022. He was born February 21, 1941 on a farm west of Winchester, Kansas to Clarence Mitchell Dunn and Grace Esma (Kottwitz) Dunn, the third of five children. After growing up in Seneca, Kansas, he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University. As a licensed Professional Engineer, he enjoyed a long career, primarily as a Design Engineer with J.I. Case, living in Indiana, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. During his career, he was awarded many patents for his inventions pertaining to heavy equipment hydraulic systems and earned recognition as a Master Inventor. He married Sandra Bruce Bailey on Valentine’s Day, 1989 and together they enjoyed boating, fishing, snowmobiling and traveling. He retired in 2004 and left his snow blower behind for the warmth of Florida. A lifelong tinkerer, Donnell enjoyed a variety of hobbies throughout his life, including woodworking, R.C. sailboats, electronics, and Ham radio (KV4IK). An intelligent and kind man, Donnell volunteered many hours while in Wisconsin, helping his Ham radio club simulate Space Shuttle communications as part of STEM activities with local schools. Donnell spent the last several years back in Terre Haute, reading and enjoying family. Donnell is survived by three siblings, Wayne (Lucille) Dunn of Grapevine, TX, Dr. Joyce Barrett of Lawrence, KS, and Howard Dunn of Richardson, TX, four children, Jerrilynn (Kenny) Bayless of Terre Haute, IN, Jay (Sherry) Dunn of Greensburg, IN, Chris (Sharon) Dunn of Denver, CO, and Cheryl Dunn of Terre Haute, IN, two step-children, Jerry (Danya) Bailey of St. Petersburg, FL and Beth Bailey of Jacksonville, FL, former wife and mother of his children, Phyllis (Lutz) Maxwell, ten grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and two cats, Max and Lena. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant sister Carol, wife Sandra, step-son Andy Bailey, and a beloved cat Mia. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 26 at Roselawn Funeral Home with Reverend Scot Longyear officiating. Donnell will be laid next to his wife in Roselawn Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roselawnfuneralhome.net