Joe, 82, passed away peacefully at the Harry Hynes Hospice Center at St Francis Hospital on January 24, 2023.
He grew up in the farm/rural community of Copeland Kansas and graduated from Copeland High in 1958, in a class of 12 students. Raised in a rural area Joe, was very active in 4-H, where he earned a trip to the American Royal. He developed a love of automobiles, and this passion remained his favorite hobby and side job throughout his life.
Joe married the love of his life, Vicki Deines, December 31, 1961, in Clayton, New Mexico
Joe and Vicki enjoyed riding motorcycles and were involved in the Gold Wing Touring Association. They rode many miles, traveling coast to coast, seeing the sights with many dear friends. Joe held the position of Chapter Director of the Gold Wing Touring Association, Chapter C in Dodge City.
One of his greatest loves were his daughters and grandchildren, who he passed on the love of cars, boating, and anything fast. He taught his girls and grandkids to drive a stick shift and spin kitties. He spent time with his family, teaching them the automotive trade, while rebuilding engines, welding body panels, sanding, priming, and painting vehicles. Joe was known for being willing and able to fix or build anything, which kept him busy with his side service jobs.
Joe retired from the Judson Large Power Plant in Dodge City, KS after 34 years on January 1, 2000, as the Assistant Plant Manager. He was also a volunteer for Hospice of the Prairie in Dodge City.
Joe and Vicki moved from Dodge City to Wichita, KS, in 2007.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Vicki of the home, 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. Three siblings, Jack (Jacqualine) Dunham, Wichita, KS, Larry (Jeanette) Dunham, Conway, AR, and Kathleen (Kitty) Birney, Topeka, KS.
Daughter Debra Edwards, Manhattan, KS. Children: Kyle (Ashley) Edwards, of Godley, TX, with daughter Kinley. Derek (Beth McDougal) Edwards, of Hays, KS.
Daughter Shelly (John) Hinderliter, of Dodge City, KS. Children: Tyler (Lexi) Pencis, of Ingalls, KS, with children Phoenix, Triniti, Audrey, Collette and Layla. Ashlee Pencis, of Dodge City, KS, with son Carter. Tandy (Jason) Boese, of Abilene, KS, with children Kasey, Ronnie, and Chelsea. Megan (Austin Zink) Weis, of Dodge City, KS, with children - Lexi, Rylan, Ashlynn, Alexis, and Declan.
He was proceeded in death by both parents: Ralph and Myrtle Dunham, brother Don Dunham, and son-in-law Thomas Edwards, DVM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest contributions to one of the following in memory of Joe.
• Automotive Restoration Technology Program at McPherson College, 1600 E Euclid, McPherson, KS 67460
• Harry Hynes Hospice at Via Christi St. Francis Hospital, 929 N. ST. Francis Avenue, Wichita, KS 67214
• Reformation Women’s Blanket Makers, Reformation Lutheran Church, 7601 E. 13th Street North, Wichita, KS 67206
Click HERE for service details.