Glendell Dunbar

Glendell Dunbar departed this life on January 5, 2013 at 5:15 P.M. He was 86 years, 3 months, and 9 days old. Glen was born September 27, 1926 in Carrier Mills to John and Clemence Dunbar. On June 30, 1950, Glen married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Esther (Russell) Dunbar, and enjoyed 62 years of marriage. Other survivors include two sons, Rusty and Cecilia Arlene Dunbar of Marion, Chris and Vicki Dunbar of Marion. Grandchildren; Zeppelyn and Clay Brewer of Murphysboro, Cody Dunbar of St. Louis, Travis Dunbar of Marion and Kashia Dunbar of Marion. Nephews; Jim and Sheila Britt of Indianapolis, Indiana and Bill and Collene Dunbar of Richland, Washington. Glen was completely devoted to his family. He dearly loved his children, and grandchildren, and was known as Papaw. He was so enthusiastic and never missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren whether in basketball, baseball, dance recitals, or cheerleading. Often times, he would even want to be there at practices. Glen graduated Carrier Mills High School in Carrier Mills. He enjoyed playing basketball and was known as GOZ Dunbar. After graduating High School, Glen joined the US Navy and began his college education by spending time at Great Lakes in Chicago, Weslyan University in Connecticut, then transferred to Princeton, New Jersey until he was discharged. He then moved back to Southern Illinois and finished his degree in Business and Finance from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1948. Glen worked for Credit Thrift which is now known as American General for 30 years, serving the last several years as district manager before retiring in 1987. Glen also loved his church family. He was a member of First Baptist Church for 50 years, and served as church treasurer and an usher for many years. Glen also taught Sunday School for more than 15 years. In addition, Glen was a community volunteer. He volunteered at Marion Cultural Civic Center for many years, and was a transporter/driver for Heartland Regional Medical Center for 10 years. Glen loved being around people and never met a stranger by lending out his hand to anyone. He loved working in his meticulously kept yard, and was once recognized and noted in the paper as being the only person in town that vacuums the gumballs out of the yard. Glen was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. He watched every possible game and knew all the statistics about every player. Glen touched so many lives in so many different ways. He will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him. Glen was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Clemence Dunbar, Brother Charles Dunbar, Sister Mary Britt and two siblings who died during infancy. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 11 A.M. at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Dickerson officiating. Entombment will follow in Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6 8 P.M. at the funeral home. In memory of Glen memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, IL 62959.